Arjun Menon
According to new information from Fabrizio Romano, Marcus Rashford is now expected to leave Manchester United permanently in 2026, joining Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho on the list of high-profile departures. The report, shared on Romano’s YouTube channel, adds another layer to the club’s ongoing squad overhaul under Ruben Amorim.
Barcelona Loan Spell Impresses—but Future Still Set Away from United
Rashford, who joined Barcelona on loan in the summer after a temporary spell at Aston Villa last season, is pushing for a long-term future at Camp Nou. The forward has made a strong impression so far, registering six goals and nine assists in 16 appearances for the Catalan side.
Barcelona have a €30 million buy option included in the loan agreement, but Romano stressed that the club will not rush a decision:
“Barcelona will not decide in November or December. They are very happy with Rashford — the numbers are good, the attitude is good — but they will take their time.”
Despite that positive assessment, Romano made it clear that United’s long-term plans do not involve reintegrating Rashford into the squad. Whether the destination ends up being Barcelona or another club, the forward is expected to leave Old Trafford permanently in 2026.
Hojlund and Sancho Also Set for Permanent Exits
Rashford is not the only attacking player heading for the exit. Romano also confirmed that Rasmus Hojlund is expected to join Napoli on a permanent deal, despite speculation that United might recall him following Benjamin Sesko’s recent injury.
Jadon Sancho, whose United career has stalled after multiple loan spells, is also set to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season. The winger is currently on loan at Aston Villa, the very same club Rashford represented in 2024–25.
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Why Rashford’s Departure Makes Sense for All Sides
Rashford remains a regular for both Barcelona and Thomas Tuchel’s England setup, but a permanent break from United increasingly feels inevitable. Since his standout 30-goal season in 2022–23, the 26-year-old has struggled to replicate that form or fully settle under successive managers.
Amorim, in particular, never appeared completely convinced by the academy graduate, leading to back-to-back loan spells away from the club.
United Already Building Toward a New Attacking Core
Despite losing Rashford, United have already begun shaping their future attacking structure. Summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha have added versatility and creativity, offering profiles more suited to Amorim’s system.
Mbeumo has enjoyed a bright start with six goals in 12 matches, while Cunha has shown flashes of his Wolves form and is expected to play a bigger role once fully fit. Both players are capable of operating centrally or in deeper attacking positions, giving United options that align better with the manager’s tactical approach.
A Turning Point for Rashford and for United
By 2026, Rashford will have spent more than a decade at Manchester United, emerging from the academy and becoming one of the club’s most recognisable figures. Yet the trajectory of both player and club suggests that a permanent separation could be the most logical outcome.
Romano’s latest update indicates that the decision has effectively been made: Rashford, Hojlund, and Sancho are all expected to move on as United continue reshaping the squad for a new era.