Manchester United are prepared to use Marcus Rashford in a bid to sign their top midfield target in the summer transfer window.
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and registering 14 assists to help the Catalan giants retain La Liga.
Many expected his loan to be turned into a permanent transfer after a solid debut campaign. However, Barcelona have instead signed Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi to bolster their attack, leaving Rashford with no other choice but to return to United.
The 28-year-old is expected to report to Carrington for pre-season after helping England to third place at the World Cup.
United boss Michael Carrick, who previously played alongside Rashford for the Red Devils, reportedly isn’t against reintegrating a player who would raise the level of United’s squad.
There would be concerns around Rashford making a permanent return to the fold. His wages would make him one of the top earners at the club. At the same time, his preferred position would see him directly challenge Matheus Cunha, who became a fan favourite following his transfer from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He also remains one of United’s biggest sellable assets, although Barcelona refused to trigger their £26million buy clause and nobody else has shown serious interest in paying an asking price of £40million.
Per Gazzetta Dello Sport, an option United are prepared to explore is using Rashford in their hunt for a third and final midfield signing of their long-awaited rebuild.
Rashford could be used in the club’s first swap deal for eight years
Casemiro’s departure as a free agent and Manuel Ugarte’s knee injury mean United have needed several midfield reinforcements.
They’ve already signed Andrey Santos from Chelsea and Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, respectively, but what’s missing is the defensive stability and leadership offered by Casemiro.
Among the names they’ve been linked with are Aurelien Tchouameni, Carlos Baleba, Sander Berge and Tyler Adams.
Roma star Manu Kone is also among the options and talks with his representatives have been described as ‘positive’. Using Rashford to bring the 25-year-old to Old Trafford hasn’t been ruled out as an option, although his ‘colossal salary’ would make negotiations difficult.
United’s current midfield options
While more bodies in midfield are important for a United side about to play their first Champions League campaign since 2023, pre-season has given supporters optimism.
Friday’s 5-0 win over Rosenborg saw Santos’ performance receive plaudits, while Mason Mount once again impressed in an unfamiliar role.
When asked about the impact he’s hoping Santos will have, Carrick said: “He’s settled in really well – fantastic character. He’s buzzing to be here, you can see that. We’re not expecting anything crazy special today. It’s a step. Get your eye in and get back on the pitch again. He’ll do really well for us.”
