The Spanish giant Barcelona is targeting Marcus Rashford in the winter transfer window. The striker has been left out of the starting lineup in the last seven games for Manchester United in all competitions, and it is obvious that he is about to depart from Old Trafford.
United has a difficult season, sitting in 13th place in the Premier League with only 6 wins in 20 games. Ruben Amorim replaced Eric ten Hag as United’s manager, and the England international has not been in his future plans. Rashford has played in 15 of those games, scoring 4 goals, but it has been more than a month since his last appearance on December 7, 2024, in a 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest.
Asked if Rashford had played his last game for the Red Devils, following United’s win after a penalty shootout against Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup, Amorim did not exclude that.
“I don't know. We'll see. He is a player for Manchester United. We'll see. He has to work. He has to represent his club and he loves his club but I have to make choices. I already spoke about how I make the choices. It is what it is. Let's continue, let's see the next game and like I said I have to make a selection.”
The 27-year-old Rashford started his professional career with United back in 2015, and after 287 games, will most likely leave Old Trafford. Being in his prime, he will not settle for a bench role, especially with all the interest he draws around Europe. He did not see this coming, but with Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford, Rashford experienced one of the lowest points of his career.
As experts predict, Barcelona is the front-runner to land the striker in their run for the La Liga title. The Catalans had an excellent start to the season but have fallen to third place, with a five-point deficit to Atletico Madrid.
With Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo taking over the load in the offensive line, Barcelona’s manager Hansi Flick will be happy to add an experienced top-level scorer like Rashford.
Flick may also move Rashford right behind them and add to the midfield with Raphinha and Yamine Lamal. The team from Camp Nou has monitored the situation surrounding the striker at Old Trafford and is ready to make the move, whether it will be a loan or a full transfer.
According to Transfermarkt, Rashford is worth €55 million, which is a huge price tag. Still, there is plenty of interest for the English international from clubs from the top of the football team rankings. AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund, and Napoli are also in the race for Rashford, and there are Premier League teams such as Tottenham and West Ham, who are ready to negotiate.
Rashford is ready not just to leave United but the Premier League as well. He is in sixth place in scored goals among active Premier League players, and for the first time in his career, Rashford will most likely play elsewhere.
There are just over two weeks until the winter transfer window closes, so both sides need to react quickly. Many believed that it was only a matter of time before Rashford left Old Trafford, but if Amorim decides to add him to the starting XI for Thursday’s Premier League game against Southampton, things may change.
Anyway, Rashford is looking for a scenario where he will consistently play and get a spot in the England national team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Given the competition for the squad and his current status in Manchester, it will be difficult for him to make it to the final roster, so it seems that a departure from Old Trafford is inevitable.
