Marcus Rashford makes final decision on Man Utd return as deadline set | Football | Sport

Marcus Rashford has no plans to return to Manchester United from Barcelona this summer. The forward is keen to have his long-term future settled before England travel to the 2026 World Cup in North America. Rashford moved to Spain on a season-long loan last summer, with the possibility of making the switch permanent. Barcelona officials secured an option with their United counterparts to sign Rashford for £26m.

It’s understood that even if Barcelona couldn’t meet the asking price, Rashford would seek to join another club, rather than return to United.

Rashford is prepared to renegotiate his annual salary and accept reduced terms, if it helps finalise a deal with Barcelona.

Rashford has flourished in La Liga since walking away from his boyhood club, following a falling-out with former United boss Ruben Amorim. He has netted 10 goals in 33 appearances, including three in his last four matches, and contributed 12 assists.

Rashford has established some roots in Barcelona, having bought an apartment in one of the city’s most exclusive neighbourhoods.

Rashford is widely tipped to feature in Thomas Tuchel’s final World Cup squad, though he’s keen to avoid any transfer speculation overshadowing his involvement in the tournament.

The forward admitted to struggling early in his loan spell, but has since flourished under Hansi Flick.

“I think for the front guys we have to put as much pressure on the ball as possible because the problem is when players have time on the ball to pick the passes and to see what our backline is doing,” Rashford told TNT Sports.

“If they do have time then the backline have to adjust. But it’s our way of playing, it brings an intensity to the game. I think when we play at this intensity it’s difficult for teams to match us.

“For me it takes a little bit of learning to get used to because you can’t let them rest on the ball. Whoever is closest to the ball always has to put pressure. So it’s a little bit different to what I’d done before. But this is the style of defence we play and when it works it’s really good.”