Manchester United transfer latest: How Marcus Rashford sale has been boosted by Liverpool's Barcelona 'rejection'

Barcelona have reportedly been rebuffed in their attempts to sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool, which may have opened the door for Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford to join instead.

United’s dire 2024-25 season saw them end the campaign in 15th place with just 42 points, their lowest ever placement and points total in the competition’s history.

Their failure to win the Europa League final against Tottenham Hotspur also saw them miss out on the chance to play in the Champions League next term.

The loss of revenue from no European football could be significant, and boss Ruben Amorim may face the prospect of having to sell stars to fund an overhaul of his squad.

However, reporter Mark Ogden has claimed that Barcelona have been told by Liverpool that winger Diaz is not for sale, potentially opening the pathway for Rashford to join the Spanish giants instead.

Why Rashford’s sale could be vital

Rashford's price tag is said to be in the region of £40m, and his transfer fee would be more affordable to Barca than what Liverpool were demanding for Diaz, who is said to be valued at more than £70m.

United will be keen to agree a deal with the Catalans considering the winger is classified as a homegrown player, and any income from a sale would help combat the club’s poor financial standings more than selling a player such as Antony.

Rashford’s sale could be of paramount importance if the Red Devils have ambitions of signing a striker given Matheus Cunha has joined for roughly £60m, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo could demand a similar fee.

Could Rashford still be of use to Amorim?

With Alejandro Garnacho likely to be sold in the summer, sanctioning Rashford’s exit could be risky as the pair are among the club’s fastest players.

Removing the Englishman would reduce United’s ability to threaten in behind opposition defences, something that has been an issue all season, with the club scoring just 44 goals last term in the league.

However, Mbeumo would help replace Rashford’s blistering speed, so if a deal can be agreed with Brentford, perhaps losing the boyhood Manchester United fan would not be so damaging.

Written by
Lewis Nolan