18G/A superstar set for stunning return to United as dismal Amorim era comes to an end – report

Ruben Amorim wasted little time in exerting his authority once he was appointed Manchester United’s new head coach in 2024. Out went Marcus Rashford, with the Portuguese famously quipping, “I will put (goalkeeper coach Jorge) Vital before I put a player that does not give the maximum every day”, in reference to the Mancunian’s lack of effort in training. He was dropped for 12 games in a row before a January loan exit to Aston Villa materialised. During his brief stint in Birmingham, the Englishman displayed flashes of the kind of form that made him a superstar at Old Trafford. In 10 starts across all competitions, he registered four goals and six assists, with Unai Emery keen to sign him on a permanent basis. Marcus Rashford sent out on loan by Amorim However, after failing to come up with the money required, he left Villa and returned to the Red Devils but Amorim still did not have any space for him in the squad. As a result, he joined Barcelona on loan for the season, with the Catalan giants having the option to turn his loan deal permanent for €30 million. In 17 starts for the Blaugrana, the England international has seven goals and 11 assists, but despite his impressive form, Barca are having cold feet with regards to triggering his release clause. In fact, they were plotting to try and reduce the fee. The 28-year-old’s deal at Old Trafford is valid until 2028, which means the 20-time English league champions do not need to sanction a cut-price exit. Amorim gone, Marcus Rashford back in? As per SPORT, with Ruben Amorim now gone, United could even seek to bring Marcus Rashford back home, especially if the La Liga giants continue to dilly-dally. “Marcus Rashford’s future now enters uncharted territory. The English winger had to leave on loan to Aston Villa last summer after Ruben Amorim’s appointment as manager, as their relationship had completely broken down. Marcus Rashford updated Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoals AssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga18282–1,112′ UEFA Champions League643––417′ Copa del Rey11–––90′ Total257112–1.619′ 25/26 season stats via Transfermarkt “This summer, Rashford was sidelined until he found a place at Barcelona. The Catalan club signed a €40 million option to buy, but hoped to renegotiate the fee, although Amorim’s dismissal could toughen conditions, as Manchester United might be keen to bring back their prodigal son to lead their new project. “Barcelona’s plan was, and still is, to pursue Rashford, provided the financial terms are favorable. It’s highly likely that United will try to recall him, as he has a contract until 2028, unless Barcelona pays the €40 million release clause, something the Camp Nou club is not considering.” Marcus Rashford unlikely to end up back at Old Trafford A shift to a back-four and return of traditional wingers does open up a space for the former No.10, but INEOS are highly unlikely to welcome him back. This could well be a ploy to ensure Barca are put under pressure to trigger the release clause. Apart from the Camp Nou outfit, quite a few clubs are willing to take a chance on the Carrington graduate. Feature image Clive Mason via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Ayantan Chowdhury After failing to become a professional footballer, Ayantan switched to the next best thing: writing about the greatest football club in the world. He has extensive sports journalism experience, having worked for over 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25