Marcus Rashford’s long-term future is once again under scrutiny, with growing belief from inside Manchester United circles that the forward may never play for the club again.
The 28-year-old is currently on a season-long loan at Barcelona, a move that was completed in the summer of 2025 after he left Old Trafford in search of a fresh start. The Spanish side hold an option to make the deal permanent for €30million (£26m), but the situation is far from straightforward.
Barcelona are understood to want Rashford to stay beyond this season, but not necessarily on the terms originally agreed. Reports suggest the Catalan club would prefer another loan arrangement, or a reduced permanent fee compared to the current clause. Manchester United, however, are holding firm on their valuation.
That uncertainty has opened the door for wider debate about where Rashford’s career should go next, and former United midfielder Paul Scholes has now added his own blunt assessment.
Scholes does not see a pathway back at Old Trafford and believes a return to England with Aston Villa would make more sense than remaining at Barcelona.
Speaking about Rashford’s situation, Scholes said: “At Barcelona he will only ever be back-up to Raphinha and Yamal.”
He then questioned the player’s next decision directly, adding: “It’s down to the lad, does he want to go to a Villa, that type of club where he is going to play every week.”
The suggestion reflects a wider concern about Rashford’s playing time in Spain. While his early spell at Barcelona showed promise, he has since struggled to secure consistent minutes, raising questions about his role in their long-term plans.
Another former Manchester United midfielder, Nicky Butt, shares a similar view that Rashford may need a more stable environment where he plays regularly rather than competing for limited opportunities at a European giant.
Butt said on The Good, The Bad & The Football podcast: “I think it would be wrong for Marcus for it to happen.”
He added: “He’s made that break now, and that would be the toughest thing he had to do. I done it, leave the club you were brought up with, that’s the hardest thing, that initial break.”
Butt pointed to Rashford’s previous loan spell at Aston Villa as evidence that a Premier League move away from the spotlight of United and Barcelona could suit him.
“He went to Villa had a great cameo role there, Barcelona he started off well, for some reason he’s not getting games now. I think he will go somewhere else, it’s just where and who can afford him.”
His final point goes to the heart of the issue. Rashford’s next step is not only about sporting fit, but also financial reality, with any permanent move requiring a club willing to meet Manchester United’s valuation.
Despite the uncertainty, both Scholes and Butt agree on one central theme: Rashford needs regular football. Without it, his development and confidence risk stalling at a crucial stage of his career.
Butt summed it up simply: “Marcus needs to play every week, he needs confidence, he needs an arm round him, then you have an unbelievable talent.”
For now, Barcelona’s stance, United’s valuation, and Rashford’s own preference all remain unresolved. What is clear is that his future will be one of the key talking points heading into the summer window.
Whether that leads to another spell in Spain, a Premier League return, or a fresh move elsewhere, remains to be seen.
