Marcus Rashford heads to World Cup in limbo

Marcus Rashford arrives at the World Cup in limbo, facing a long summer before he knows where he will play next season. The uncertainty is striking for a forward expected to start England’s opener against Croatia on 17 June in Dallas and stems from his exclusion from Manchester United’s first‑team plans by Ruben Amorim in December 2024, followed by loans to Aston Villa and Barcelona.

He proved his worth at Barcelona, notably scoring a free‑kick that helped clinch La Liga in the clásico, and after the Real goal on 10 May he said: "I am not a magician but if I was, I would stay." Despite that, Barça’s interest remains unclear; Anthony Gordon’s £69m arrival complicates the picture and any move there now looks likelier to be temporary.

United are asking for a £26m permanent fee for a player whose contract runs until May 2028. The relatively low fee reflects his £17.5m‑a‑year salary and the £35m left to pay, with United keen to shed the wage bill.

United States, Dallas

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