Man United set to complete £26m transfer which could instigate midfield revamp

Manchester United have been told that Marcus Rashford is now very likely to seal a permanent transfer to Barcelona.The Englishman is a Man Utd youth product who became one of the club’s most influential players in recent years. However, Rashford swiftly found himself on the outs following Ruben Amorim’s appointment, with the Portuguese manager omitting him from his plans beginning from December 2024.The 28-year-old ended up joining Aston Villa on loan in January. Rashford then finally sealed his ‘dream’ move to Barcelona last summer.Barcelona increasingly inclined to buy Marcus RashfordThe striker is currently on loan with the Blaugrana, who have the option to buy him for €30 million (circa £26m) at the end of the season.According to Mundo Deportivo, all the signs point towards a permanent transfer at the end of the season, including the player’s inspiring displays.(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)Rashford has managed to impress Hansi Flick with his versatility, as he’s capable of playing either as a centre forward or on either flank. The manager is also said to be taken away by the player’s precision when picking up a teammate inside the box.His performances have also increased the competition within the squad, keeping all attacking players on their toes.The United youth product has thus far contributed with seven goals and 11 assists. He is the only Barca player to have scored in every competition this season.Rashford to Barcelona can help Man Utd in their midfield plansWith Rashford likely to seal a permanent move to Barcelona, his transfer fee would constitute a pure capital gain for Man Utd thanks to his academy graduate status. This figure will help Jason Wilcox and Co. raise a war chest for the well-documented midfield revamp. Rashford’s stats at Barcelona Appearances Goals Assists LaLiga 16 2 8 Copa del Rey 1 1 0 Champions League 6 4 3 At the moment, all four MUFC midfielders are facing uncertain futures for different reasons. Manuel Ugarte has yet to impress since his arrival at the club, while Kobbie Mainoo is unhappy with the lack of playing time.Moreover, Casemiro is running on an expiring contract, and even Bruno Fernandes could head towards the exit door after his controversial statements regarding his stern relationship with the hierarchy, who tried to sell him on multiple occasions.While the overhaul is more likely to begin in the summer, perhaps Rashford’s promised transfer to Barcelona could encourage INEOS to advance some of their plans to January, at least if they can find a suitable profile, as their main targets (Baleba, Wharton, Anderson…) won’t be available before June.