Man United already considering moves to replace £40m star | OneFootball

Man Utd Prepare for Rashford Exit as Villa Delay Decision on £40m Option

Rashford situation remains unresolved

Aston Villa have yet to confirm whether they will trigger the £40 million buy option for Marcus Rashford, according to Sky Sports. The forward has contributed three goals and five assists in 15 appearances since joining Villa on loan in January, with Unai Emery stating: “It depends on the circumstances for now and the next weeks.”

Photo IMAGO

Despite his upturn in form, Rashford is understood to still be holding out hope for a future move to Barcelona. The La Liga giants had been linked before his temporary switch to Villa Park, and sources suggest his long-term ambition remains a move to Camp Nou.

His time at Villa has provided a necessary change of pace. It was made clear within Manchester United that Rashford needed not only a break from the pressures of Old Trafford but also distance from the distractions of life in Manchester. The move was designed to help him refocus and present himself anew to the market.

United draw up shortlist of replacements

With Rashford’s departure increasingly likely, Manchester United have begun formalising plans for reinforcements. According to Sky Sports, the club are considering Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, and Wolves’ Matheus Cunha as potential additions.

Photo IMAGO

The strategy is clear: use the funds from Rashford’s sale — which would count as pure profit on the balance sheet — to fund a two-player offensive rebuild under Rúben Amorim.

At Carrington, there is a quiet satisfaction that Rashford has responded positively at Villa, though the disappointment remains over how his Old Trafford story unravelled. “There was sadness at the way his story at the club nosedived,” one source reflected, “particularly among those that support the club and work at Carrington.”

Amorim’s rebuild shaping up

United’s new era under Amorim will be defined by both tactical evolution and personnel changes. Offloading Rashford not only provides financial flexibility but also gives the new manager a clean slate as he moulds a new attacking identity.

Photo IMAGO

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Manchester United supporters, this latest development around Rashford feels like a bittersweet but necessary shift. His contributions to the club — especially during his early years and the post-lockdown surge — are part of United folklore. But sentiment alone can’t dictate strategy, and it’s become increasingly clear that a fresh start is best for both parties.

What’s encouraging is the proactive approach the club are now taking. In the past, United have been guilty of dithering in the market or scrambling to replace key departures. This time, there’s a shortlist. There’s a plan. Victor Osimhen would be a marquee statement. Delap offers long-term promise, and Cunha brings Premier League sharpness. That mix of ambition and pragmatism is exactly what we’ve been asking for.

As for Rashford, a move to Barcelona feels fitting — and if not there, his form at Villa should open plenty of doors. Amorim’s project is starting to look like it has real direction, and this summer could be the reset they’ve waited years for.