Manchester United have reportedly been struck with a double-edged sword by FC Barcelona’s plan this summer, as two Blaugrana stars may now land at Old Trafford, even if INEOS only want one. Barcelona plot big-money revamp Spanish newspaper Marca reveals the LaLiga giants are preparing for a major overhaul of Hansi Flick’s squad after the disappointment of an exit from the Champions League. Controversy clouded a pulsating quarter-final clash with rivals Atletico Madrid that ultimately saw Los Colchoneros emerge 3-2 victors on aggregate after Barcelona saw red in both legs. Marcus Rashford, on a season-long loan from United, was one of the scapegoats as local media tore into the 28-year-old Englishman’s performance, or lack thereof, in the defeat. This has led Camp Nou executives to place him alongside four other Barca stars, including Robert Lewandowski, Andreas Christensen, Frenkie de Jong and Marc Casado, whom the club will look to shift this summer. Barcelona included a £26 million buy-option in the loan with United – a price the Catalans looked primed to pay earlier in the season after Rashford’s strong start. But a drop in performance, as well as a reluctance to pay both the fee and his wages, has left the England international with the prospect of an unwanted return to Old Trafford at the end of the campaign. INEOS are desperate to be rid of his exorbitant contract, which will increase if United secure Champions League football next year, ensuring this reunion will not be a happy one. However, on the flip side, Casado – Barcelona’s all-action midfield warrior – is a target for the Red Devils to perform their own revamp this summer, meaning his availability will be a boost at the same time that Rashford’s return is a blow. Midfield Maestro Two big-money recruits are expected to arrive in M16 to fix the stalling engine room, given Casemiro is set to depart and Manuel Ugarte has proven an incapable understudy. INEOS are seeking to repeat the ‘Premier League proven’ approach which guided the overhaul of the misfiring forward line last year. Elliot Anderson is the primary target, while Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton are also under consideration. However, the club are understood to also be examining a number of high-profile options in Spain, with Real Madrid’s dynamic duo Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga both on the radar. But Casado is another player with admirers at Old Trafford, as the Spain international’s potent pairing of technique and industry offers a ‘complete’ package in midfield. The “elite” technician has even drawn comparisons to Bayern Munich superstar, Joshua Kimmich, from his teammates in the Barca dressing room. Earlier in the campaign, there was firm interest from United, but Barcelona’s reluctance to lose a homegrown talent was said to be an obstacle to any deal. This means a pursuit of Casado has now received a lightning bolt after a change of heart in Catalonia, even if it also requires Rashford to take the seat next to the Spanish midfielder on the plane to Manchester once the season ends. Featured image Pedro Salado 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.
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