INEOS are desperate to sell in-form United star this summer, Tuchel absolutely loves him – report

Manchester United have reached a final decision on Marcus Rashford’s future should he return to Old Trafford this summer, a new report reveals. A Spanish Resurgence Rashford has enjoyed a return to form since joining Barcelona on a season-long loan in the summer, after being frozen out at Manchester United by Ruben Amorim, who faced his own forced exit last week. The 28-year-old forward has racked up seven goals and 11 assists in an impressive debut campaign in Catalonia, winning the hearts of the Blaugrana faithful and, more importantly, the faith of his new manager, Hansi Flick. Marcus Rashford stats – 2025/26 MatchesGoalsAssistsMinutes 277111651 The German coach is keen for Rashford – who has also re-established himself in the England team under Flick’s compatriot, Thomas Tuchel – to remain with Barcelona beyond the summer. Flick sees Rashford as an important piece of the jigsaw at Camp Nou, given his versatility allows him to be deployed anywhere across the frontline; a complement to the starting trio of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, rather than a hindrance. However, reports in Spain over Christmas had suggested Barcelona’s fragile finances would prevent the La Liga champions from activating the buy option in the loan arrangement with Manchester United, worth £26 million. This created the possibility of an unceremonious return for the ‘bomb squad’ member to Amorim’s side – a move neither party wanted. But a week is a lifetime in football – and the landscape for both men has dramatically altered, with INEOS swinging the axe on Amorim’s tenure and Barcelona sporting director Deco meeting with Rashford to communicate the club’s intention to keep him beyond this season. However, the economic situation at Camp Nou remains an issue which would inhibit a permanent deal, while Manchester United’s hunt for a new head coach could see a manager arrive, such as Tuchel, who rates Rashford highly. An Old Trafford Return? Michael Carrick has been appointed as caretaker manager of the Red Devils until the end of the season in the wake of Amorim’s departure. A long-term replacement for the Portuguese coach will then be sourced over the summer, when the pool of candidates grows – as in the case of Tuchel or Crystal Palace chief Oliver Glasner. Whoever is appointed, however, is expected to implement a system which more closely aligns with the traditions of the club, utilising a back four and flying wingers. There is an obvious gap in the squad, however, on the left wing, after Amorim hounded out every option who could play there. If Barcelona were to be unable to meet the buy clause in Rashford’s deal, and a manager like Tuchel takes the helm, it raises the interesting prospect of the academy graduate’s return given his number one enemy no longer resides in Manchester. However, talkSPORT have ruled out this possibility, revealing INEOS are “not planning” to bring Rashford back as the decision to offload him was “as much influenced by club officials including director of Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada as Amorim himself.” The England international’s contract at Old Trafford – the most expensive at the club, worth £325,000 a week – does not expire until 2028. This is understood to be one of the key factors behind INEOS’s stance. Furthermore, his status as an academy graduate means his sale would constitute ‘pure profit’ from a PSR perspective, meaning even a £26m fee would have a huge effect on Manchester United’s finances in the transfer market. There will be no reconciliation for Rashford at his boyhood club this summer – it is simply too profitable an option for INEOS to consider. Featured image Carl Recine 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 Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.