Manchester United and Barcelona are reportedly in talks about a potential swap deal involving Marcus Rashford, which could see the England international leave Old Trafford. After months of speculation, United appears open to offers for Rashford ahead of the January transfer window, following previous discussions about a possible summer transfer.
Rashford’s future at United has become more uncertain under new manager Rúben Amorim, especially after he and teammate Alejandro Garnacho were dropped from the squad for the recent Manchester derby. There are reports suggesting that concerns about their attitudes led to their exclusion.
On Tuesday, Rashford hinted he might be open to a “new challenge,” further fueling rumors about his departure. His comments have sparked debate over whether he is ready to leave Manchester United.
Despite the mounting speculation, Amorim downplayed the situation during a Wednesday press conference, highlighting Rashford’s importance to the team and suggesting that keeping him would be beneficial for the club. However, Spanish reports claim that negotiations for a swap deal are already underway, potentially sending Rashford to Barcelona in exchange for Frenkie de Jong moving to United.
De Jong, a long-time target for Manchester United, has struggled to secure regular minutes under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, starting only two matches this season. His high wages have reportedly made him a candidate for transfer as Barcelona looks to balance its finances.
Amorim is said to view De Jong as a key addition to strengthen United’s midfield, fitting into his long-term vision for the team. Sources suggest that the swap deal proposal has already been put forward to Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco.
While Amorim continues to publicly praise Rashford’s abilities, insiders believe he may be taking a more strategic approach behind the scenes. According to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, Amorim’s upcoming decisions will reveal his true stance on Rashford’s future.
Amorim has set high standards for squad selection, and Rashford’s ability to meet those expectations will likely influence his future. Both Rashford and Garnacho are closely monitored during training, particularly as United prepares for key matches, including an EFL Cup clash against Tottenham.
Though Rashford has reportedly recovered from an illness that affected his training earlier this week, failure to meet expectations could see him sidelined. With important Premier League games against Bournemouth, Wolves, and Newcastle ahead, Rashford’s performances under Amorim will likely be crucial in determining whether he stays at Old Trafford or makes a high-profile move to Barcelona in January.
