The narrative surrounding Marcus Rashford has shifted dramatically. As of Friday, January 23, 2026, reports are surfacing that Manchester United’s leadership is reconsidering the future of their homegrown star. Currently thriving on loan at Barcelona, Rashford’s "world-class" form in Spain has ignited a debate at Old Trafford about whether the door for a permanent return is truly closed.
While he was largely sidelined under former manager Ruben Amorim, the arrival of Michael Carrick as interim boss has reportedly prompted a re-evaluation of the "bomb squad" outcasts.
The Transfer Tug-of-War
Despite Rashford's stated desire to "stay at Barça," the financial logistics are proving to be a nightmare for the Spanish giants.
The Buy Option: Barcelona holds a £26.1m (€30m) option to buy Rashford permanently in June.
The "Lowball" Rejection: Reports suggest United recently flatly rejected a "cheeky" €22m offer from Barcelona, with INEOS standing firm on the pre-agreed fee.
The "Swap Deal" Rumor: To lower the cash outlay, Barcelona has reportedly discussed a swap involving 22-year-old midfield "animal" Marc Casadó, a player Manchester United are ironically targeting to replace Casemiro.
Carrick’s Stance: A Second Chance?
Unlike his predecessor, Michael Carrick has a long-standing personal relationship with Rashford. Sources close to Carrington suggest that while the club’s preference is still to "cash in" for a summer overhaul, Carrick has privately suggested that a confident, firing Rashford is exactly what his new-look United team is missing.
The Athletic: "The departure of Amorim has not immediately changed Rashford's loan status, but it has changed the atmosphere. United officials were in Spain last weekend, officially on a scouting mission for Marc Casadó, but the 'Rashford problem' was the elephant in the room."
The Verdict: Manchester United hold all the cards. If Barcelona cannot find the funds to trigger the buy option by June, Rashford must return to Manchester. With his contract running until 2028, the summer of 2026 is shaping up to be the ultimate crossroads for the man from Wythenshawe.