Barcelona delay threatens Manchester United’s plans to offload Marcus Rashford | OneFootball

Manchester United’s efforts to offload Marcus Rashford before the squad returns for pre-season have hit a major stumbling block, with Barcelona unwilling to open talks until late in the summer window.

The Red Devils are keen to revamp their squad following a disappointing 2024/25 campaign that saw them miss out on both silverware and European qualification.

A £62.5 million move for Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha has already been completed as part of a wider rebuild under new boss Ruben Amorim.

Rashford’s name is now firmly on the list of those United hope to move on to raise funds and reduce their wage bill.

The club’s preference had been for a swift sale of the England international, but GIVEMESPORT sources suggest that Barcelona — Rashford’s favoured destination are in no rush.

The La Liga champions are instead prepared to wait until the final days of the window, and even then may only be open to a loan deal.

The 27 year old, who has clocked over 400 appearances for United since breaking through from the academy, had spent last season on loan at Aston Villa.

Despite rediscovering some form, Villa chose not to activate the £40 million purchase clause in the deal.

Back at Old Trafford and on wages reported to be around £300,000 per week, Rashford’s future now hangs in the balance.

His reluctance to entertain offers from other clubs while waiting for a Barcelona move is reportedly frustrating the United hierarchy.

GIVEMESPORT reports that Rashford is so determined to join Hansi Flick’s side that he has instructed his representatives to stall talks with other potential suitors. Barcelona, aware of their strong negotiating position, are under no pressure to commit to a deal early.

The delay is threatening to undermine Amorim’s summer plans, particularly in terms of transfer budget.

Offloading Rashford would free up significant funds both from a potential fee and from wages, but unless a solution is found soon, United risk being hamstrung in the market when the window officially opens next week.

Barcelona’s confidence in landing Rashford on favourable terms is causing increasing tension at United.

If no agreement is reached before the September 1 deadline, another loan move could be the only feasible option, something the Red Devils were hoping to avoid.

With just weeks remaining until pre-season begins, United must now weigh whether to hold out for a buyer or accept that Rashford’s next move could again be temporary. Either way, the impasse with Barcelona is complicating what was meant to be a decisive and proactive summer window.

Feature image: Michael Regan via Getty Images

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