Manchester United and Barcelona are in talks over a potential Marcus Rashford swap deal as Rúben Amorim labels it a ‘hot potato’ to manage

Manchester United and Barcelona are reportedly in talks over a potential swap deal involving Marcus Rashford, raising the prospect of the England international leaving Old Trafford. Following months of speculation, United now seem open to offers for Rashford ahead of the January transfer window, after earlier discussions about a possible summer sale.

Rashford’s position at United has become increasingly uncertain under new manager Rúben Amorim. Both he and teammate Alejandro Garnacho were left out of the squad for the recent Manchester derby, with reports attributing their exclusion to concerns over attitude.

On Tuesday, Rashford hinted at seeking a “new challenge,” intensifying rumors about his potential departure. His comments have fueled debates about his readiness to explore opportunities outside Manchester United.

Despite this, Amorim downplayed the situation during a Wednesday press conference, emphasizing Rashford’s value to the team and suggesting the club would benefit from retaining him. However, reports from Spain indicate advanced negotiations for a swap deal that would send Rashford to Barcelona, with Frenkie de Jong heading to Manchester.

De Jong, a long-standing United target, has struggled for consistent game time under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, starting only two matches this season. Additionally, his high wages have made him expendable at the Catalan club.

Amorim is said to view De Jong as a key addition to strengthen United’s midfield and align with his long-term plans for the squad. Sources suggest the proposed swap deal, involving Rashford, has already been presented to Barcelona president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco.

While Amorim continues to publicly praise Rashford’s abilities, insiders hint at a more pragmatic approach behind the scenes. According to BBC Sport’s Simon Stone, Amorim’s actions will ultimately reveal his true intentions regarding Rashford’s future.

Amorim has set rigorous standards for squad inclusion, and Rashford’s ability to meet these expectations may determine his fate. Both Rashford’s and Garnacho’s performances in training will be under close scrutiny ahead of upcoming matches, including an EFL Cup tie against Tottenham.

Though Rashford has reportedly recovered from an illness that disrupted his training earlier this week, failure to impress could result in him remaining on the sidelines. With Premier League fixtures against Bournemouth, Wolves, and Newcastle on the horizon, Rashford’s performance under Amorim’s leadership will likely be pivotal in deciding whether he remains at Old Trafford or secures a high-profile move to Barcelona in January.