Reports suggest that FC Barcelona have reversed its stance on Manchester United’s loanee, Marcus Rashford, for a couple of key reasons.

Rashford spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Barcelona, who hold an option to sign him permanently for about £26 million.

The England international managed to score 12 goals and provide 13 assists over 43 appearances, which would make that £26 million fee seem like a reasonable deal for such a versatile forward.

Still, recent reports indicate that Barcelona are having second thoughts about making Rashford’s move permanent. Their initial interest has reportedly cooled.

According to The Athletic, Barcelona feel Rashford missed a crucial chance to shine, especially during Raphinha’s injury absence. There’s also hesitation over the cost, as the club isn’t keen to trigger the purchase option as it stands.

What about a return to Manchester United?

There’s been plenty of speculation about Rashford’s future, whether he stays with Barcelona or heads back to Old Trafford.

While a return was unlikely under former manager Ruben Amorim, things have shifted at Manchester United, making a comeback less far-fetched.

Last month, it came out that Rashford was actively pushing for a permanent move to Barcelona and had even made sacrifices to that end. Meanwhile, United has been keen to let him go and has been pursuing a long-term replacement.

That said, Rashford might have better prospects under Carrick at Man Utd than he did under Amorim, which could make a return mutually beneficial.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano weighed in recently, highlighting that Manchester United remain firm on their position but haven’t closed the door entirely on Rashford’s return.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that United want €30 million for Rashford and are reluctant to negotiate below that. For now, there’s no deal because Barcelona have an agreement with the player but not with United.

Romano emphasised that the situation remains open-ended and clarified that this isn’t related to developments involving Brazilian youngster Conceicao.

Barcelona’s manager, Hansi Flick, has made it clear that he plans to stay at the club for at least another two years, despite ongoing talks about a potential contract extension. He also shared his thoughts on their Champions League exit at the hands of Atletico Madrid, calling the loss “very painful.”

For the second year running, Barcelona faced a tough Champions League exit, suffering partly because they failed to secure a home win in the first leg. Flick, speaking before Barcelona’s upcoming La Liga match, emphasised the need to turn that disappointment into motivation.

“This is a journey for me, especially with such a young team. These kinds of eliminations happen, and yes, it hurts deeply. Going out in that manner was really tough. We need to improve not just for the next few matches but also looking ahead to the next season as well. It has to fuel us more. Small details matter, just small things, but I also think we played really well in those games. I’m truly proud of the team. Now, the focus shifts to La Liga. We want to win it, but it’s still far from over.”

“We’ve got some points on the board, but winning is essential. La Liga is a tough league; there’s no simple path. We have to bring the same energy as we did against Atletico: giving everything for the fans, the club, and ourselves. When the team makes us proud, everyone’s happier. Exiting the Champions League stings, but it also fuels our energy for what’s ahead.”

In recent weeks, rumours have circulated about Flick having a verbal agreement to extend his contract through 2028, aligning with the completion of the Camp Nou renovations. Flick gave a hint of his long-term vision.

“It’s a big dream for me. Two things stand out: winning the Champions League and having a fantastic team in the coming years. I keep saying we have to be smart during transfer windows, no rash decisions. We need to be as precise as we can. The squad is young and full of potential, and the structure here supports that.”

“The other goal? To be the coach when the new stadium is finished. Of course, football is unpredictable, and who knows what will happen, but I’m putting in the work with my staff, the club, and the fans. I’m really happy here. It feels like a family, and I consider myself lucky to be part of this. Despite going out of the Champions League, it’s part of the process. Now we have to focus on what we can achieve this season, and I don’t think it’s as bad as it seems.”

Flick was keen to keep the spotlight on their La Liga ambitions, avoiding distractions from contract talks.

“This is my plan, as I’ve said before. This feels like the last step in my career, and right now, it feels good. I want to renew, but the timing isn’t right to discuss that before our big goals over the next few weeks.”

Regarding the mood in the squad after the Champions League loss, Flick sounded optimistic.

“La Liga is the only competition left, and winning it would mean a lot. We had a couple of days off to clear our heads, so the energy and atmosphere feel fantastic now. But that has to translate onto the pitch in the final seven games. We’ll take it game by game, step by step. This is also a time to learn from the mistakes that led to our defeats. I can feel the team spirit is strong.”

“When I arrived, nobody expected us to have four titles under our belt already. That’s a great achievement. It’s not just about trophies; the way we play football matters too. The club is pleased, the players are happy, and the president reminded me that it’s about style, not just wins, and I consider that a success.”

On some of the issues that contributed to their exit, like the lack of clinical finishing and defensive vulnerabilities, Flick pointed out the impact of missing key players.

“In these decisive matches, momentum and tiny details make a difference. By March, at the season’s end, having every player available is crucial. We missed Frenkie and Raphinha, which is significant, but it’s not an excuse; other teams face this too and have to manage.”

Defensively, Barcelona appeared more exposed than last season, in part due to Inigo Martinez’s absence. Flick stressed the need for leadership on the pitch.

“Last season, we had Inigo, who was a great leader. That’s something we’re still working on: players stepping up to lead during matches, communicating, organising by a meter or two, and telling each other what to do. Training is positive, but in Champions League matches, that leadership is vital. The team is young, and we’ll teach some players to take on those responsibilities.”

Reflecting on his time at Barcelona so far, Flick described it as the highlight of his career.

“I’ve enjoyed great periods with Jogi Löw in the national team, and at Bayern Munich, and with other clubs. But this? It’s the best time of my career and, honestly, of my life. My family enjoys being here, my coaching staff is happy, and the players have fantastic chemistry. The fans’ dream is to win the Champions League, and hopefully we’ll get there next year. We’ll keep trying, over and over.”

Barcelona will be back in action against Celta Vigo on Wednesday night, aiming to return to winning ways at the Camp Nou.