Marcus Rashford stays at Manchester United as £40m exit clause expires

Marcus Rashford will remain at Manchester United after his £40 million exit clause expired on Friday, ending any automatic sale talks for the England forward.

What happened?

The expiry of Rashford’s £40m release clause means United can no longer trigger an instant sale. Any potential transfer now requires direct negotiations between clubs. Rashford, 28, is currently in Germany with England for the World Cup, where the Three Lions face France in the third-place playoff on Saturday.

He has started two of England’s seven matches so far, scoring once after coming off the bench against Croatia. Rashford is set to return to United for pre-season after a three-week break following the tournament.

Why it matters for Marcus Rashford

The expiry removes one major uncertainty over Rashford’s future. United had used a £40m clause in his contract to deter bids, but now any sale depends on fresh offers. Rashford has made no secret of wanting to rejoin Barcelona, though a move now looks unlikely after the Catalan club signed his England teammate Anthony Gordon for £69m instead.

His last appearance for United came in December 2024, capping a difficult spell at Old Trafford. Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals in 49 games across all competitions. The club opted against paying £26m to make the deal permanent.

What comes next?

Rashford is expected to return to Manchester for pre-season training after England’s World Cup exit. His contract situation remains fluid, but the expiry of the exit clause shifts the power back to United in any transfer talks.

The 28-year-old remains one of United’s brightest academy graduates. Since his senior debut in February 2016, he has made 426 appearances and scored 138 goals. His future at the club now hinges on United’s summer plans and any incoming bids.

*Stats from Transfermarkt*