Exclusive: Marcus Rashford tipped to return to Man Utd

3 May 2026 09:00 BST | 4 min read

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Marcus Rashford has been told to consider returning to Manchester United this summer by England legend Chris Waddle.

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The 28-year-old joined Barcelona on a season-long loan deal with an option to buy last July, but reports indicate that Hansi Flick’s side are currently unlikely to trigger the €30 million buy clause, leaving Rashford’s future in doubt.

Current ETV

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Barcelona

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€34.7M - €42.4M

When asked if returning to Man Utd should be an option for Rashford if Barcelona don’t sign him permanently this summer, Waddle told FootballTransfers: “Why not?”

Speaking on behalf of Genting Casino, where players can enjoy a diverse selection of slots including Football Cash Collect Slot, the former England international added: “Michael Carrick is doing a good job, time will tell whether or not he gets it permanently, but Man Utd are going in the right direction again. They are third in the league and they’ve had a great run of results.

“There’s still work to be done, but we know Rashford is a plus if he’s got his head on and if he wants to play for Man Utd, we know that two or three seasons ago, he was on fire. We know what he can do.

“If he’s lost that energy and belief that he wants to be a Man Utd player, he’s got to come out and say that. But, if Barcelona aren’t willing to match the transfer fee that Man Utd want, he goes on the market and it’s up to somebody else to come in and pay it.”

Waddle continued: “He’s enjoying it at Barcelona, but he’s not been a permanent fixture there week-in, week-out. It’s not like he’s gone to Barcelona and he’s got the shirt.

“They may have their eyes on other players for that type of money. They’ve got Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, so they might think ‘we don’t need to push the boat out to get him.’

“Then it’s like, who will come in for him? We’re talking about a player who’s on a fantastic wage and who Man Utd will want a lot of money for. He’s only going to get a small selection of clubs who are willing to pay that type of money. Looking at it, I can see him back at Man Utd.”

Analysis: How much is Marcus Rashford worth?

While Barcelona are reluctant to spend €30m on Rashford this summer, his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €38.5m, suggesting they would be signing him for a bargain fee if they trigger the clause included in his loan deal.

This figure is the lowest it has been since 2017, but Rashford would still be seen as an excellent piece of business at €30m.

Furthermore, he has performed fairly well in a Barcelona shirt so far this season, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions, and the Spanish giants may find it difficult to find a suitable alternative for a similar price.

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