Marcus Rashford has removed all mention of Barcelona from his Instagram bio after the La Liga champions opted against triggering the £26m buy option in his loan deal, leaving the Manchester United forward facing an uncertain future.
The 28-year-old, who spent the season on loan at Barcelona and registered 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 games, had expressed his desire to stay at the Camp Nou. But Barcelona instead agreed to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, with the Spain-based club reportedly favouring Gordon because he is three-and-a-half years younger and impressed manager Hansi Flick with his defensive work. Marca reports that Rashford will not be a Barcelona player next season.
“Man Utd vow not to overpay on transfers as Rashford removes Barcelona from Instagram after club opts against £26m buy option.”
The development comes as United’s chief executive, Omar Berrada, insisted the club will not be swayed into overpaying in the summer transfer window. “We want a mix of experience and youth,” Berrada said on United’s Inside Carrington podcast. “Whatever decisions we take will not just be for the short term but the long term.”
Berrada pointed to last summer’s template – when United moved quickly to bring in Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens – as the model to follow. That approach helped United finish third in the Premier League and qualify for the Champions League for the first time in three years. “The template for what we did last summer will be replicated,” he said.
The club have already agreed a £35m fee with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, who will have his medical shortly before pre-season. United remain interested in West Ham’s £80m-rated Mateus Fernandes and also want a backup striker for Sesko and a left-sided player. Berrada, director of football Jason Wilcox, director of recruitment Christopher Vivell and director of negotiations Matt Hargreaves will lead the recruitment drive.
Club sources have stressed they will not overpay, a stance that means they would walk away from deals that exceed their valuation. Meanwhile, United have also been linked with Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow, 35, who is in talks over a new contract at Elland Road but is nearing the end of his current deal. Darlow established himself as Leeds’ first-choice in the second half of last season, making 22 appearances, and United view him as experienced cover. Rashford is set to return to United after the World Cup unless another club can agree a transfer.