Marcus Rashford could ‘block’ Barcelona from signing £43m target Manchester United scouts ‘love’

Marcus Rashford could help Manchester United sign a £43 million-rated star they ‘love’ by blocking a transfer to Barcelona this summer.

Marcus Rashford is set to leave Manchester United in 2025 after a bombshell interview from the 27-year-old revealed he is looking for a new challenge.

After his 30-goal campaign under Erik ten Hag in the 2022/23 season, Rashford has failed to live up to expectations and has fallen down the pecking order under Rúben Amorim, with the likes of Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes preferred in the attacking midfield positions.

Read More: Journalist reveals Manchester United’s reaction to Marcus Rashford’s bombshell interview

Rashford has been at United for almost 20 years and is currently in his ninth season with the club following his debut at age 18, where he scored twice against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League before a double against Arsenal on his Premier League debut.

However, with United now reportedly receptive to bids of around £40 million, Rashford will almost certainly leave the club for pastures new in the coming months.

United’s £43 million interest

According to the Spanish outlet Fichajes, United have already identified Atletico Bilbao winger Nico Williams as their top choice to replace Rashford once the Academy graduate departs.

The 22-year-old Spanish star, who “wreaks havoc” out wide and scored against England in the 2024 European Championship final, is a player UtdDistrict have learned that United’s scouts love, seeing him as a ‘versatile’ forward signing.

The club’s scouts saw him as a better signing than then-Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise, who left to Bayern Munich in the summer despite admiration from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Although Amorim has stressed that Rashford remains part of his plans, Fichajes explain that Rashford could leave immediately if a suitable offer arrives in January.

Williams is thought to have a £43 million release clause in his current contract, which runs until 2027.

How Rashford can help United sign Williams

Although he is set to depart Old Trafford, Rashford could do United one final favour by using his destination to get rid of United’s competition for Williams.

It is well known that Barcelona hold a special interest in the winger, and have tracked him for a number of seasons as Williams has grown into a frightening player in La Liga.

However, they have also been interested in Rashford for a number of seasons and have made previous attempts to lure him away from Old Trafford, with now more than ever being the perfect chance to do so.

Should Rashford engineer a move to Barcelona in the coming months, this would effectively rule out Barcelona from the race, leaving United as clear favourites for his signing.

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