Marcus Rashford's Uncertain Future at Manchester United

Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United future is not as watertight as it looks.

With the window ticking towards Tuesday’s deadline, United sources have not completely closed the door on the forward leaving Old Trafford, and Arsenal and Barcelona are both watching closely, ready to move if the situation cracks open.

United plan with Rashford – but won’t slam the door

Rashford has been brought back into the fold at United. He has the number nine shirt, he’s back in Erik ten Hag’s first-team plans, and he came off the bench in the opening-day defeat at Hull City. Internally, United are planning with him. They want to keep him.

That is the official stance.

Behind it, though, sits a more nuanced reality. Club figures are fully aware of the growing interest in the England international and, crucially, have not ruled out a sale if the right proposal lands and they can reshuffle their attack in time.

The timing makes it delicate. United are already allowing Joshua Zirkzee to join Fiorentina. Losing another forward in the same window would force a rapid rethink of their attacking structure, and that is why any Rashford exit is described as highly unlikely rather than impossible.

But not impossible. Not yet.

Arsenal circle as they search for a new left side

Across north London, Arsenal are quietly positioning themselves.

Gabriel Martinelli has gone to Al-Hilal, leaving a clear need on the left of Mikel Arteta’s attack. The club have been working hard on that area, exploring several options, with Real Madrid’s Endrick among the names considered.

Rashford, though, is not just another name on a list. Arsenal have admired him for a long time. His profile – direct, quick, capable of playing wide or centrally – fits the type of flexible forward Arteta likes to rotate across the front line.

Sources indicate that a late move for Rashford is an avenue Arsenal could still explore in the final days of the window. Their interest is described as significant, particularly with the clock running down and the left side still in need of reinforcement.

If United show even a hint of willingness to negotiate, Arsenal are ready to listen.

Barcelona’s long game

Then there is Barcelona, still in the frame and still intrigued.

Rashford’s loan spell at the Nou Camp last season left a strong impression. The Catalan club remain big admirers and have kept a line of communication open with his camp, even after his return to United’s plans.

Barcelona initially aimed elsewhere. Julian Alvarez was a major attacking target, and the club explored a move for the Atletico Madrid forward. That pursuit has stalled, and any deal before Tuesday is now seen as highly unlikely.

With that path closing, eyes turn back to Rashford.

A return to Barcelona has not been discounted. They have continued to monitor his situation and are prepared to act if circumstances shift at Old Trafford and the numbers make sense. For them, as for Arsenal, Rashford’s future has become one of the most intriguing subplots of the final days of the window.

A window that can still twist

For now, United are planning for Rashford to stay. He is reintegrated, involved, and positioned as part of their attack for the season ahead.

But the stance from inside the club is clear: his departure is not completely off the table. One serious offer, one chain reaction in the market, and the picture could change quickly.

Arsenal need a left-sided attacker. Barcelona still want a marquee forward. United are walking a tightrope with their striker options.

With the deadline looming, the question hangs over Old Trafford: do they dig in around Rashford, or does one late bid rewrite the shape of their season?