United offered Barcelona defensive stalwart in shock swap deal for Marcus Rashford – report

Manchester United sent Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan deal to Barcelona last summer and the move has suited all parties involved. The Englishman, who was once considered the next gem to emerge from Carrington, had become a peripheral figure under former head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese first sanctioned Rashford’s temporary departure in January last year, within months of taking charge at the Theatre of Dreams. An impressive six-month loan spell with Aston Villa was not enough to alter Amorim’s stance, and the 28 year old subsequently joined the Catalans on loan.

The Red Devils, meanwhile, also upgraded their attack over the summer, signing Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko. The English giants have already reaped the benefits of their decision, with United scoring 47 goals in 26 league games, the joint third-most after Manchester City (54) and Arsenal (49) in the Premier League.

Rashford, meanwhile, has also been on fire in LaLiga, igniting talk of a permanent stay at Camp Nou.

Rashford’s exploits in LaLiga

Rashford has emerged as a key player under Hansi Flick, registering 10 goals and 13 assists from 34 games in all competitions this season. That is the Englishman’s best attacking return since the 2022/23 campaign, when he managed 30 goals and 12 assists from 56 games.

Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

Meanwhile, the arrival of Michael Carrick as caretaker manager has added another twist to the English forward’s future. While recent reports have suggested that Carrick wants his countryman back at Old Trafford, it is believed that Rashford has no desire to return to his alma mater.

Barcelona reportedly have a £26 million purchase option in the loan deal. According to a previous report relayed by The Peoples Person, the Catalans are looking to get a deal done for a reduced fee, but it has been rejected by the Red Devils.

The LaLiga champions have now returned to the table with a direct swap proposal to tempt the Premier League giants.

United offered Ronald Araujo

According to Football 365 via reports in Spain, Barcelona are offering Ronald Araujo in a straight swap with Marcus Rashford. The report states: “Barcelona are looking to ‘avoid paying’ the £26m clause and are instead offering players to Man Utd in order to see if they can get the fee reduced or removed completely.”

“The report adds that ‘the first name they’ve put forward is Ronald Araujo’ – who is valued at around €40m – and Barcelona ‘would be content with a simple player swap’ for Rashford.”

The Uruguayan defender has been on United’s radar for a while, and it was previously reported that the Premier League giants are considering him to bolster their backline.

Meanwhile, Football 365 adds that the Catalans are also ready to include Marc Casado in the swap deal for Rashford. The Peoples Person relayed a report last month stating that the LaLiga champions have offered the Spanish midfielder in exchange for the Englishman.

Final Thoughts

United could be tempted by the chance to sign Araujo, given the uncertainties surrounding Harry Maguire’s future. However, a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Englishman is willing to do everything possible to extend his stay with the Premier League giants.

As such, the Red Devils are likely to stick to their previous demands, as the funds generated from Rashford’s sale could help in their summer squad reinforcement plans.

Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images

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