Marcus Rashford open to £40m Man United exit amid uncertain future

Marcus Rashford hopeful of £40m Manchester United exit amid uncertain future

Marcus Rashford believes Manchester United would be willing to let him leave this summer for a transfer fee of around £40 million, as speculation grows over his next move following an injury-hit loan spell at Aston Villa.

Rashford’s Villa spell nearing its end

Rashford, 27, joined Villa on loan in February in a deal that included an option-to-buy clause worth £40m. However, that clause is non-exclusive, leaving the door open for other clubs to step in before the England international’s short-term contract expires on 30 June.

Despite making a significant contribution to Villa’s Champions League quarter-final run, where they narrowly lost to Paris Saint-Germain, Rashford has not played since picking up a hamstring injury in the build-up to last month’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Crystal Palace.

Manager Unai Emery has confirmed that Rashford will not play again this season and is ineligible for Villa’s final Premier League fixture — coincidentally against parent club Manchester United at Old Trafford on 25 May.

No talks over permanent deal — but Champions League a factor

Although Rashford is understood to have enjoyed his time under Emery and had a visible impact on the team’s European form, no formal talks have taken place over making the deal permanent. Villa remain in contention for a top-five Premier League finish, which would secure Champions League football next season — a key factor in Rashford’s decision-making.

According to sources close to the player, Rashford has no plans to take a pay cut from his current £325,000-a-week salary. That significantly narrows the pool of clubs able to afford both his wages and the transfer fee, unless United are willing to subsidise part of his salary — an approach reportedly considered during his loan to Villa.

United future remains unclear

Internally, Manchester United sources suggest head coach Ruben Amorim does not view Rashford as part of his long-term squad plans, while minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe has voiced concern over high earners contributing little on the pitch — a sentiment that could further push Rashford toward the exit.

Rashford is still expected to report for pre-season training in July, with United set to face Leeds United in Sweden on 19 July, followed by a US tour and a final friendly against Fiorentina on 9 August.

Potential destinations – and the money problem

Rashford’s contractual reality — a deal running until 2028 — makes a permanent move complex. Only a handful of clubs globally could afford his wages without assistance. While a £40m fee might seem like a bargain for a player of Rashford’s profile and experience, few clubs are willing or able to match his salary.

In January, Rashford was reportedly interested in a move to Barcelona, but the La Liga giants were unable to pursue a deal due to financial constraints. A move to another Champions League club remains the player's priority.

It’s unclear whether Chelsea, Liverpool, or Manchester City would move for Rashford — or whether the player would be willing to join a fierce domestic rival. However, a loan move remains a viable scenario, particularly if a club is willing to take on most of his salary.

Joao Felix and Sancho parallels

Rashford’s situation bears resemblance to Joao Felix, who joined Atletico Madrid in 2019 for £113m but fell out with the coach and ended up on loan spells with Chelsea and Barcelona before being sold for £45m.

There are also echoes of Jadon Sancho, who after falling out with former manager Erik ten Hag, was loaned to Borussia Dortmund before being offered to Chelsea. The Blues are now considering whether to pay a £5m loan extension or complete a £20m–£25m permanent move.

These examples reflect a broader trend of high-earning stars being moved on through multi-stage exits, where long-term contracts and wage structures complicate straightforward transfers.

What next for Rashford?

For now, Rashford’s camp expects him to return to Manchester United in July unless a buyer steps forward. His chances of leaving may hinge on United’s Europa League final result and whether Amorim remains at the helm — both of which could influence the club’s summer transfer strategy.

Rashford is understood to want a fresh start and remains determined to prove his worth elsewhere — ideally at a top-tier European club competing in the Champions League.

Stay tuned to The Horizons Times for the latest updates on Marcus Rashford’s future and all major Premier League transfer developments.