Marcus Rashford returns to Manchester United as Barcelona option expires

Barcelona will not activate Marcus Rashford's £26 million option to buy before it expires on 15 June. The forward is therefore set to return to Manchester United. Rashford is on loan from Manchester United and the option deadline falls on Monday. He remains with the England national team ahead of the summer World Cup. Rashford signed a contract extension in 2023 that leaves him with two years on his Manchester United deal. United have confirmed that Jadon Sancho has departed after five seasons. Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia will also leave Old Trafford when their contracts run out this summer. During his spell at Barcelona, Rashford made 32 LaLiga appearances, scoring eight goals and providing nine assists. In the Champions League he added five goals and four assists across 11 matches. Only Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez recorded more goal contributions for Hansi Flick's side. Anthony Gordon completed a £70 million transfer to Barcelona from Newcastle United. Gordon said Rashford gave him advice about the club and the city. Both Rashford and Gordon are members of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup.