Marcus Rashford's future is up in the air once again with his Aston Villa loan having come to an end, but he is poised to have options for his next move with the summer transfer window now open
With the Premier League season now over, clubs have already begun plotting their moves for the summer transfer window. While there are always many different plots unfolding at the same time, few will have as much focus as the situation around Marcus Rashford.
The 27-year-old spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Aston Villa after being banished to the Manchester United wilderness by Ruben Amorim. Overall, the United academy graduate made a good impression at Villa Park, contributing four goals and six assists across all competitions, which earned him a recall to the England squad.
The forward's next chapter is currently unknown, but with Amorim showing no signs that he has changed his stance, it is expected the Old Trafford exit door will be propped open for Rashford.
A number of sides have been linked with a move, however. And Mirror Football takes a look at Rashford's potential next options this summer, with the window now open.
Aston Villa
In 17 appearances in all competitions, of which 10 were as a starter, Rashford contributed four goals and six assists. He made a variety of vital contributions, including his brace of assists in Villa's 2-1 victory over Chelsea as well as his impressive display against Paris Saint-Germain, when the Midlanders were so close to overturning a 3-1 aggregate deficit in the Champions League quarter-final.
Under Emery, Rashford looked sharp, hungry, focussed and clinical. Villa fell just short of Champions League qualification, but Emery loves the Europa League and would want a squad that is good enough to battle in Europe and domestically.
However, Villa already have the sixth-highest wage bill in the Premier League and may not be able to accommodate the £325,000-per-week Rashford is believed to be earning at United. From a football perspective, it looks to be a solid fit, but with a £40million buy option on top of a huge salary, the financial implications could be too steep for Villa.
Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham Hotspur's dreadful Premier League campaign was overwritten by their Europa League triumph over United, which saw them qualify for the Champions League. The north Londoners' 17th-place Premier League finish was humiliating, but it's easy to forget the terrifying amount of injuries Spurs had to contend with.
As well as losing key players like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Dominic Solanke to injury, captain and talisman Son Heung-min also endured a tough campaign, as his tally of seven goals in 30 Premier League appearances was his lowest since his debut campaign in the 2015/16 season, when he only contributed four goals in 28 appearances. With the South Korean losing his edge in front of goal this season, another forward with pace, directness and a clinical edge may be on Ange Postecoglou's radar.
Rashford could be the perfect fit for the Tottenham boss, especially with his vast Champions League experience. If Tottenham are able to negotiate a good transfer fee with United, who will surely need to sell some players after missing out on the prize money for qualifying for the Champions League, Rashford may be ideal for Spurs.
Barcelona
Along with Liverpool forward Luis Diaz, Rashford was recently name-checked by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick as a player they admire. The German said: "I don't want to speak about players which are not in my team, but of course Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford are fantastic players. I like them and we'll see what happens.”
It's been widely reported that Rashford has ambitions of one day playing at the Nou Camp, but Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo recently claimed that the forward's representatives told Barcelona officials he would be willing to lower his wages, to try and earn a move to the La Liga giants.
Barcelona have established themselves as European heavyweights once more, winning La Liga and reaching the Champions League semi-finals. However, with Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal leading the frontline, while Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres provide cover, Rashford may have to work hard to force his way into Flick's plans.
If Barcelona make a serious proposal, it's likely Rashford would jump at the opportunity, but he would need to work harder and play better than he has ever before to dislodge the current stars in Catalunya.
Napoli
Scott McTominay took the bold decision to leave United and pursue pastures new at Napoli, and he was rewarded with a Serie A title and even a reception with the Pope.
The Scot was a bit-part player at Old Trafford before Antonio Conte's side signed him for around £25.7m. Under the guidance of the ex-Chelsea manager, McTominay became an unstoppable goalscoring midfielder, contributing 12 goals and six assists in 34 appearances.
How Rashford would relish the Conte treatment, which has also had a positive effect on another ex-United striker in Romelu Lukaku, who scored 14 goals and contributed 10 assists. Conte has demanded new signings, and with Napoli also being linked with Alejandro Garnacho in the past, it's possible Conte may prefer Rashford's experience and cutting edge.
However, the biggest uncertainty is Conte's future, as Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis appeared to suggest the Italian could be leaving. He told Napoli fans at their open-top bus celebration: "I wish Conte continuing success in his professional life. Thank you, Antonio."
AC Milan
Rashford has also seen the likes of Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek move to AC Milan and enjoy their football. A space could soon open up at the Rossoneri, as left-winger Rafael Leao currently has an uncertain future at the San Siro.
Milan endured a difficult campaign this year, registering a disappointing eighth-place finish. New energy and a new attitude may be required to jumpstart the European giants, who won Serie A in 2022 and Rashford could be the one to provide that spark.
Their lack of European football next season, though, may mean a move doesn't materialise, given the necessary funds involved.