Manchester United and Barcelona are reportedly negotiating a potential swap deal involving Marcus Rashford, signaling the England international’s possible departure from Old Trafford. After months of speculation,
Manchester United appear open to offers for Rashford in the upcoming January transfer window, following earlier discussions about selling him during the summer.
Rashford’s position at the club has grown increasingly unstable under new manager Rúben Amorim. Both Rashford and teammate Alejandro Garnacho were notably excluded from the squad for the recent Manchester derby, reportedly due to concerns over their attitude.
On Tuesday, Rashford hinted at his desire for a “new challenge,” further fueling rumors of an exit. These comments have sparked discussions about his readiness to leave Manchester United for new opportunities.
Despite the speculation, Amorim downplayed the issue during a press conference on Wednesday, stressing Rashford’s importance to the team and suggesting the club would benefit from retaining a player of his caliber.
However, reports from Spain suggest that talks are advancing for a deal that could see Rashford head to Barcelona, with Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong moving in the opposite direction.
De Jong, a long-term target for Manchester United, has struggled for consistent playing time under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, starting only two matches this season. His high wages have reportedly made him expendable at the Catalan club.
Amorim, on the other hand, views De Jong as a vital addition to bolster United’s midfield and complement his long-term vision for the squad. Reports indicate that the potential swap deal, which includes Rashford, has been presented to Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco.
While Amorim continues to praise Rashford’s abilities in public, insiders suggest his decisions behind the scenes reflect a more pragmatic approach. BBC Sport’s Simon Stone has noted Amorim’s careful management of the situation, emphasizing that the manager’s true intentions will become clear based on his actions.
Amorim has set high standards for squad inclusion, and Rashford’s future may hinge on his ability to meet these expectations.
Rashford’s and Garnacho’s performances in training will be closely evaluated ahead of upcoming matches, including an EFL Cup clash against Tottenham.
Although Rashford has reportedly recovered from an illness that disrupted his training earlier this week, failure to impress could see him remain sidelined.
With crucial Premier League fixtures against Bournemouth, Wolves, and Newcastle approaching, Rashford’s ability to adapt and perform under Amorim’s leadership will likely determine whether he stays at Old Trafford or finalizes a high-profile move to Barcelona in January.
