Man United could be ‘boxed in’ by Marcus Rashford as Barcelona clear on transfer stance

Marcus Rashford has been in fine form for Barcelona since joining on loan from Manchester United in the summer and the Catalan side are reportedly keen to sign him on a permanent basis next year

Manchester United are confronting a ‘major problem’ regarding Marcus Rashford’s future next summer, according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson. Rashford, 27, who has three years remaining on his contract at United, joined Barcelona on a season-long loan in July after Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim made it clear he was not in his plans.

The Catalan club hold the option to secure Rashford in a permanent move worth £30million in 2026. Following his impressive displays since the turn of the September international break, Barcelona are eager to sign the England international but for a discounted fee in the region of £26m.

And Borson believes that it’s a headache for United because the club do not have command of the situation. He told Football Insider: “The player is going to end up boxing Manchester United in. I think it’s clear that United obviously want to sell the player. I mean, you just loaned him out. Where are we going to get to next summer?

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“Whatever he does, whether he plays well or whether he’s mediocre, whether he’s patchy, you get to next summer and there’s one bidder on the table and the player says he only wants to go to Barcelona. Well, in that scenario, they may well get him for £25m.”

He added: “It’s a big issue for Manchester United because it is very hard to see where the upside is.

“You’re not going to bring him back unless there’s a change of manager and he’s very keen, which must be unlikely. Not so much the first bit, but the second bit.

“So, he’s not coming back, and he’s almost certain to say he wants to go to Barcelona if Barcelona want to sign him, so you’re negotiating against yourself.”

Rashford struggled initially following his season-long loan switch from United to the Catalan giants during the summer transfer window, but has found his groove since netting for England whilst away on international duty.

The forward has now contributed either a goal or assist in each of his previous five outings for Barcelona.

His maiden goals for Barca arrived against Newcastle United in the Champions League this month, whilst he has provided one assist across his last quartet of La Liga fixtures.

On Sunday, Rashford delivered the cross for Jules Kounde to nod home Barcelona’s leveller as Hansi Flick’s team fought back to defeat Real Sociedad courtesy of Robert Lewandowski’s second-half decider.

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