SPORT: Rashford willing to take pay cut to stay at Barça, rules out MUN return

According to Sport, Marcus Rashford is willing to take a pay cut to stay at Barcelona and has no intention of returning to Manchester United under any circumstances.

Rashford joined Barcelona on loan from United earlier, with a €30 million buy-option clause included in the deal. Barça can trigger the clause to sign him permanently if the club deems the timing right at the end of this season.

With Manchester United’s steady resurgence since Michael Carrick took charge, reports have emerged that Carrick wants to keep the England winger for the following campaign. However, Rashford’s personal plans appear to be at odds with the manager’s wishes. While there is still room for improvement in his match consistency and defensive work rate, Rashford has enjoyed an eye-catching campaign so far. Despite not being a first-choice starter, he has registered 10 goals and 10 assists for Barça.

Barça head coach Hansi Flick has set higher expectations for him, hoping Rashford can elevate his game to become a key player for the side. Though he is yet to fully meet his manager’s targets, his impressive statistics have put a permanent move on the club’s agenda. Paying the €30 million release fee as stipulated or negotiating a lower transfer fee are both viable options. It is understood that Rashford is ready to accept reduced wages to push the transfer through.

As previously reported by the Mirror, Rashford has no interest in going back to Old Trafford even if Barcelona opt against signing him permanently. He is enjoying his life in Spain and has informed the club of his desire to remain at Camp Nou after the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. Should a permanent Barça stay fail to materialise, he would choose to join another club rather than return to Manchester United.