Marcus Rashford will report for pre-season duty with Manchester United following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup, according to reports from Fabrizio Romano. The winger spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Barcelona, where he helped Hansi Flick’s side secure the LaLiga title.
Despite Rashford hoping for a permanent move to the Catalan club, Barcelona opted not to trigger the £26million buy-option by the June 15 deadline, a decision influenced by the recent signings of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and the impending arrival of Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. Both Gordon and Adeyemi offer similar versatility in wide positions.
Romano reports that Rashford has already confirmed his availability to begin pre-season training with Manchester United, and will enter direct conversations with manager Michael Carrick upon his return from international duty with England. While the player reportedly still desires a return to Barcelona, United are prepared to reintegrate him into the squad.
Sources at TEAMtalk indicate that Manchester United are still open to selling Rashford this summer, but director of football Jason Wilcox has advocated for his reintegration. Carrick has also been involved in discussions regarding the player’s future, and has indicated that Rashford will not be placed in a ‘bomb squad’ situation. However, neither Rashford nor the club have altered their long-term views, with both still favouring a permanent departure if a suitable offer emerges.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, the current expectation is that Rashford will join Carrick’s squad at the beginning of August, after being granted an extended break following England’s participation in the World Cup finals. The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected as the transfer window progresses.
