Rashford responds to Real Madrid’s bombshell plan as United hopes of agreeing an exit soar – report

Marcus Rashford has delivered an emphatic response to Real Madrid’s potential hijack attempt for the Manchester United forward this summer, according to a new report. Bombshell Raid Earlier this week, it emerged that Jose Mourinho – set to take charge at the Santiago Bernabeu – is interested in reuniting with the 28-year-old forward in the Spanish capital. The pair are understood to maintain a “good relationship” after their shared time at Old Trafford, where Rashford was one of the Portuguese coach’s most trusted players. The ‘Special One’ is drawn to a reunion for two main reasons: firstly, he would add a versatile forward he knows well to his new squad; and secondly, for the “disruption” it would cause Real’s fiercest rivals in Catalonia. Rashford is fresh from helping FC Barcelona retain their LaLiga title, having arrived at Camp Nou on a season-long loan from United last summer. He has enjoyed an impressive campaign for his adopted side, returning 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, and winning the faith of Hansi Flick. However, despite the German coach actively pushing his bosses to exercise the £26 million buy-option in the loan, the Blaugrana remain unconvinced about paying up. Instead, they are trying to renegotiate the deal, either by lowering the fee or agreeing to another loan. United have steadfastly refused to entertain either option, reaffirming that the current deal is the only one they will accept. With the Carrington graduate set to return to M16 on June 15, uncertainty is growing over whether a compromise will be struck between the two clubs before then – which has sparked Real’s interest, as well as Arsenal and Bayern Munich. Rashford rules out alternatives Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reveals that well-placed sources indicate Rashford has “no intention of leaving the Camp Nou” for another club. He is described as “one hundred percent” focused on Barca and has communicated this to his representatives, with no prospect of a blockbuster switch to Real. An offer has even been tabled by Aston Villa, the Premier League club where he spent the second half of last season on loan, but it holds no interest for the England international. Interestingly, Flick is understood to have communicated his desire for Rashford to remain part of his squad next season, telling the forward he is “counting” on it. This suggests a breakthrough between Barcelona and United may now be closer than previously thought, particularly as Robert Lewandowski’s confirmed departure will free up finances. Final Thoughts As the Red Devils brace for one of their most important transfer windows in recent memory, every penny will count at the Theatre of Dreams this summer. At least two new big-money midfielders are needed, while reinforcements on the left-hand side, up front, and in goal are also under consideration. Rashford’s status as an academy player means his sale, even for a relatively modest fee like £26m, would count as ‘pure profit’ on the books and significantly bolster the club’s war chest. If a deal can be struck with Barcelona before the World Cup kicks off in June, it will prove a massive boost to open the window with. Featured image Alex Caparros 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 Fox 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.