Marcus Rashford makes decision on immediate Manchester United future ahead of pre-season return

Marcus Rashford is expected to return to Manchester United for pre-season training next week despite the fact the club would like to sell him in the summer transfer window.

The 27-year-old has not played for United since December last year after he was dropped for the Manchester derby win over Man City due to performance issues. The forward later revealed he was open to a 'new challenge' in his professional career before he joined Aston Villa on loan, which also included the option to make it permanent for £40m.

United's preference is still to move the player on this summer, though it is understood Rashford has no issues taking part in the club's pre-season schedule and will give his best while he is still contracted to the club. It is a similar situation to a year ago, when Jadon Sancho took part in the pre-season schedule after his falling out with Erik ten Hag, before he eventually joined Chelsea on a season-long loan.

Barcelona consider Marcus Rashford move

Manchester United still value Marcus Rashford at £40 million, though the combination of his transfer fee and £315,000-a-week salary make a permanent exit difficult this summer. His representatives held talks with Barcelona earlier in the year, while he is also understood to be an option for Bayern Munich.

It is understood Rashford dreams of moving to Barcelona this summer, and he even recently spoke about his desire to play alongside Lamine Yamal. Barcelona are also understood to hold an interest in the United forward, but they had prioritised a move for Athletic Club star Nico Williams instead.

However, a move for Rashford now looks more likely after Williams signed a staggering eight-year contract extension with his boyhood club, which will see him contracted to them until 30 June 2035. Barcelona will have to head back to the drawing board as they plan to strengthen their attack and could intensify their interest in the United forward.

The first group of United players are due back at the club's Carrington training complex for pre-season tests from Monday 7 July, before they face Leeds in their first summer friendly on 19 July. United then travel to the United States to face West Ham, Bournemouth and Everton in the Premier League Summer Series before they host Fiorentina at Old Trafford in early August.

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