What does the future hold for Rashford?

The summer squad rebuilding plans are being pieced together in the belief Rashford will not be part of them.

Yet it is tricky. Twelve months ago, Ruben Amorim placed Rashford in his 'bomb squad' and told him to train at different times to the main group. He did the same with Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Tyrell Malacia.

Last week, world governing body Fifa announced a memorandum of understanding with global players' union Fifpro. Within the detail, it was confirmed any player exiled from the main group can demand to be released – and to have their contracts paid up.

It is fair to assume ostracising Rashford this season is off the agenda.

What are the options?

Manchester United will probably hope Rashford has a good World Cup.

That would increase the number of clubs who are interested in him and widen the options of a deal.

Yet, as with any contractual situation of this nature, United cannot sell Rashford to a club he does not want to play for.

He has just won the Spanish title with Barcelona and reached the last eight of the Champions League.

Rashford clearly believes he can have a significant impact at the highest level of the game.

Bayern Munich were suggested as having an interest. And what about Aston Villa, where he spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign? They have also qualified for the Champions League.

Is a return to Barcelona still possible?

Image caption,

Marcus Rashford scored 14 goals and claimed 14 assists in 49 appearances for Barcelona last season

After staying at Manchester United, this is the option favoured by bookmakers.

Rashford scored 14 goals and claimed 14 assists during his season at Barcelona. He might not have started every week but he did make a significant contribution.

It is England team-mate Gordon's arrival at the Nou Camp for £69.3m from Newcastle United that seems to have eased Rashford out. Yet, if Thomas Tuchel can find a space for both players in his national team squad, why can the same not be true of Hansi Flick?

Clearly, Barcelona are unwilling to pay £26m for him.

As it stands, United have no interest in negotiating a different deal.

But there is no time pressure just now.

That will only come in the three-week gap between England's World Cup campaign reaching its conclusion and Rashford's return to pre-season training. By then, goalkeeper Andre Onana, another player on a big contract United do not want, will have returned for pre-season and a template will potentially have been created that Rashford might follow.

Beyond that, the transfer window closes on 1 September.

At that point there will have to be a resolution for Rashford's future.

For now, he can continue focusing on England.