Manchester United Dig In Their Heels Over Marcus Rashford's Future—Exclusive
Even after separating from Ruben Amorim, Manchester United's position on Marcus Rashford remains unchanged, with the English forward set to leave the club on a permanent basis this summer. However, Barcelona won't be permitted to negotiate a reduced fee, according to recent reports.
Barcelona currently hold a predetermined purchase option for Rashford at season's end, which was incorporated into the loan arrangement between both clubs, estimated at approximately £26–30 million ($35.2–40.6 million).
Nevertheless, despite rumors that the cash-strapped Catalans may request a price reduction, Manchester United refuses to allow any financial compromises when it comes to the permanent acquisition of the 28-year-old.
Man Utd Will Not Re-Negotiate Rashford Transfer Fee
Man Utd Will Not Re-Negotiate Rashford Transfer Fee
President Joan Laporta's continuous financial maneuvering has enabled Barcelona to gradually strengthen their roster in recent transfer periods, with Rashford being their only major signing last summer.
Barça arranged a temporary deal with Manchester United, as former coach Amorim was eager to offload the player while INEOS executives sought to eliminate the Englishman's substantial £315,000 weekly wages. The debt-laden Catalans agreed to shoulder Rashford's salary for this campaign.
Yet regarding the purchase option that becomes active this summer, the Daily Mail reports that United shows no willingness to renegotiate that amount and continues to anticipate Barcelona exercising the complete, previously agreed option at season's conclusion.
After losing significant revenue by missing Champions League qualification, Manchester United has made deliberate efforts to reduce expenses by lowering their payroll. Beyond Rashford, the Red Devils will also soon release Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and their collective £625,000 weekly earnings.
Rashford's Positive Impact at Barcelona
Rashford's Positive Impact at Barcelona
Manchester United anticipates Barcelona will activate the purchase clause in Rashford's loan agreement simply because the Englishman has thrived in Spain.
After drifting toward the end of his tenure at Old Trafford, Rashford has found renewed purpose in Catalonia.
Raphinha's fitness problems have certainly helped, with Flick utilizing him more frequently than initially anticipated before the campaign began. While Rashford lacks Raphinha's intense pressing style, he's equally dangerous in scoring positions and demonstrates willingness to exploit defensive gaps. Overall, he's proven an ideal match for the tactical approach.
Marcus Rashford's Barcelona Stats—Feb. 18, 2026
Marcus Rashford's Barcelona Stats—Feb. 18, 2026
Apart from the Spanish Super Cup, Rashford has delivered consistently across all tournaments for Barça this season.
The forward has accumulated 12 La Liga goal contributions in 21 appearances, nine across eight Champions League matches and two in three Copa del Rey fixtures.
He's experiencing his most successful season since 2022–23, and Barça, regardless of their financial constraints, would be unwise to attempt any shrewd negotiations concerning his purchase clause.
What Happens if Barcelona Don't Trigger Rashford's Option to Buy?
What Happens if Barcelona Don't Trigger Rashford's Option to Buy?
By declining to immediately pay the potential £30 million fee to retain Rashford, Barcelona might hope this creates pressure on United to reduce their asking price, banking on Old Trafford's fear of returning to their original predicament.
However, employing this strategy exposes the Catalans to the risk of losing a player they would prefer to retain.
Should they forfeit the option by declining payment, another club could acquire Rashford, whose market worth (according to Transfermarkt) approaches £35 million—with potential for further growth—already exceeding the exclusive arrangement Barcelona currently possesses.
Rashford's performance for Barcelona, while not extraordinary, has been sufficiently impressive to potentially generate market interest that was absent last summer.