‘Marcus Rashford set for major blow as Man United exit is scuppered’

‘Marcus Rashford set for major blow as Man United exit is scuppered’

Marcus Rashford has been dealt a potential blow in his attempts to leave Manchester United as a move away from the club has been scuppered.

The forward has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford since the arrival of Ruben Amorim as manager last November.

Rashford moved to United’s Premier League rivals Aston Villa in January scoring four goals and grabbing six assists in 17 appearances for the club.

It is believed Villa wanted to keep the 27-year-old, but his huge wages were a stumbling block.

His performances at Villa though have sparked interest from other clubs in his services, but a new development means a move to Spanish giants Barcelona may now be off the table.

Rashford impressed on loan at Villa last season. (Credit Imago)

Williams move blocks Rashford’s Barca dream

According to The Athletic’s Barcelona correspondent Pol Ballus a verbal agreement is in place for the transfer of Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams to the Camp Nou.

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Ballus believes Barcelona will pay the release clause for Williams, which is reported to be around £50million, and they are freeing up salary space to be able to register him.

The 22-year-old has already made 167 appearances for Athletic scoring 31 goals and registering 30 assists.

However, his move across Spain could mean the end of Rashford’s hopes of playing for the Catalan club.

Player Rashford Williams Appearances 41 45 Goals 11 11 Assists 9 7 Rashford and Williams’ 2024/25 stats compared.

Rashford was reportedly willing to take a pay cut and willing to wait until the end of the transfer window before completing a move.

The England international will now have to re-evaluate his options and after originally showing interest, Newcastle are no longer believed to be in the running.

Williams looks set to join Barcelona this summer (Credit: Getty Images)

Rashford’s exit strategy back at square one

With a move to Barcelona now out of the question, Villa unable to afford his wages and Newcastle the latest team to reportedly pull out of a move, options seem limited right now for Rashford.

Man United’s financial struggles means Amorim will be desperate to offload a player he has no interest in keeping.

With a World Cup in Canada, America, and Mexico under a year away, regular playing time is a must for the forward if he wants to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s sqaud.

Rashford seems willing to accept a compromise on his wages will have to be agreed, but a move also depends on the asking price United set, with this saga looking likely to continue throughout the summer.

One thing that we know is that Rashford is an elite player when he’s on his game and so he’ll be desperate to find a club where he can flourish this season in order to reignite his career.

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