Man Utd told to bring back Marcus Rashford as three more prepare to leave in summer cull

Marcus Rashford has been urged to return to Manchester United following the end of his season-long loan at Barcelona, while three Red Devils stars are reportedly set to leave Old Trafford this summer.

Since arriving in Catalonia last summer, Rashford, 28, has appeared to be enjoying life on loan at Barcelona, with the Man Utd academy graduate producing 12 goals and 13 assists in 42 appearances for the La Liga leaders.

Hansi Flick’s free-flowing side play to the strengths of attackers such as Rashford, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, with the Englishman already making it clear that he wants to make his loan move permanent this summer.

Earlier this season, the Manchester-born forward replied, “Oh yeah, for sure,” when asked if he wanted to remain at the five-time European champions beyond the current campaign, with reports suggesting a mandatory £26million buyout clause is included in the agreement between United and Barcelona.

But despite Rashford appearing happy at the Camp Nou, six-time Premier League winner and Man Utd legend Nicky Butt still believes he can revive his career with the Red Devils.

“If he comes back, that will be a little golden nugget for Michael Carrick. One thing about Michael, he’ll know him as a person, he’ll know he’s got his heart in the right place,” Butt told Paddy Power.

“Off the left-hand side, when Rashford’s playing to the top of his ability, he’s really tough to handle.

“I still think he’s a top player. Whether or not he comes back and blows the club away, who knows? But he’s got the ability to do that.”

Marcus Rashford has been urged to return to Old Trafford (Credit:Getty)

Something United will have to factor in regarding Rashford potentially returning is the player’s hefty wage of £325,000 per week. However, several reports suggest the England international accepted a slight wage decrease when he joined Barcelona on loan.

If Rashford, who is contracted to United until 2028, were to return, he would likely expect his wage to revert to what it was before he left, making him the Red Devils’ highest-paid player.

Casemiro is currently top of the list of earners on £350,000 per week, although he is set to leave upon the expiration of his contract this summer.

But the exit of three other players may also free up funds for Rashford’s return.

Jadon Sancho – currently on loan at Aston Villa – Tyrell Malacia and third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton are all out of contract this summer, with head coach Carrick admitting that “there are contracts, and there are all sorts of things that need to be sorted out, but at this stage, it has not been sorted out just yet,” when he spoke last week.

If all three were to exit, this would free up around £420,000 per week in wages, which could then be used elsewhere should the club choose to do so.

Sancho has not featured for United since 2023, while Malacia last played the final two minutes of United’s 1-0 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.

Heaton’s last competitive appearance for United came in a 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second-leg victory against Nottingham Forest in February 2023.