Will Marcus Rashford return to Manchester United or stay at Barcelona? Michael Carrick explains

Europe 18 April 2026 at 14:35

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

Marcus Rashford’s future remains unresolved as Manchester United manager Michael Carrick refused to rule out a return for the England international who is currently on loan at Barcelona for the 2025 /26 season.

With the Spanish club yet to decide on permanent move, uncertainty continues to surround the 28 year old forward.

Barcelona yet to decide on permanent deal

Rashford joined Barcelona on a season long loan with an option to buy set at £26 million but the Catalan club have not made a final decision despite his consistent involvement this season.

The forward has made 43 appearance scoring 12 goal and has contributed to Barcelona’s strong La Liga campaign, with the team leading the table by nine point with seven match remaining.

Still doubts persist internally over whether to activate the clause.

Barcelona initially turned to Rashford late in the transfer window after missing out on Nico Williams while Luis Diaz completed a move to Bayern Munich.

Carrick adopts cautious stance

Asked about Rashford’s future, Carrick avoided giving a definitive answer despite their long standing relationship dating back to the player’s debut in February 2016.

“There are important decisions that need to be made at the right time.. Marcus is in that situation now but nothing has been decided yet” Carrick said.

He added: “As a manager, my focus is on the players currently here. We have a squad and there are players out on loan. What happens next will become clear in time”

Decision looming

With his contract at Manchester United running until 2028, the final decision now rests between the English club & Barcelona. For now Carrick has kept his position deliberately open.. leaving the door ajar but offering no guarantees.

Related teams and leagues

Barcelona

Manchester United