Manchester United are already turning their focus towards shaping the squad for next season. The club has clinched third spot in the Premier League and will compete in the Champions League next season. Michael Carrick has played a pivotal role in revolutionising the team’s performances during his tenure at the helm. As the 44-year-old moves nearer to securing the United manager’s position on a permanent basis, he will recognise that numerous crucial decisions must be taken in the transfer market.
United loanee Marcus Rashford has remained at the centre of speculation throughout his stint away from Old Trafford. The striker has made his intentions clear by stating his wish to remain with La Liga champions Barcelona, yet still faces doubt over a permanent switch to the Catalan giants. Express Sport brings you all the latest news from United below…
Marcus Rashford contract details leak
Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo say that Rashford has already agreed in principle a three-year deal with Barcelona but the terms must now be changed to seal a permanent move.
Per the leak, the England international’s salary is claimed to be 40 per cent lower than his wages at United. It adds that Rashford considers renegotiating the three-year agreement his “only option” to remain at Barcelona.
It is understood that extending his deal to a five-year contract would prove financially advantageous for the club, as it would enable the Catalan side to spread the transfer fee across a longer timeframe.
Barcelona hold an option to make Rashford’s move permanent for approximately £26million. The 28-year-old has chipped in with eight goals and nine assists in 31 appearances, playing his part in helping Hansi Flick’s side clinch the league title this season.
Nevertheless, the two clubs are yet to reach a resolution and have remained locked in talks over the previously agreed fee. The Catalan club are reluctant to meet the £26m purchase option, while United have no intention of reducing their asking price.
Veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton is poised to put pen to paper on a one-year contract extension at United. The 40-year-old has served as the club’s third-choice shot-stopper since 2021, with his last competitive outing coming in February 2023.
Heaton began his footballing journey in United’s academy before enjoying productive spells elsewhere prior to returning to his boyhood club.
The former England international has also taken on a mentoring role for United’s new number one Senne Lammens throughout this campaign.
The ex-Burnley ace’s decision to extend his stay at Old Trafford will prove a boost to United’s Champions League squad, given his status as a homegrown player.
UEFA regulations stipulate that every club must fulfil a quota of eight association-trained players, including a minimum of four homegrown stars, in order to submit a full 25-man squad list.