Marcus Rashford 'has Man Utd return plan' as INEOS learn cost of axing star

Marcus Rashford is reportedly planning to return to Manchester United for pre-season training if they cannot find him a move. The 27-year-old spent the second part of last campaign on loan at Aston Villa after being frozen out by Ruben Amorim, scoring four goals in 17 games across all competitions.

While the stint at Villa gave Rashford a route to regular football and a platform on which to show he can still be a difference-maker for a top club, his astronomical wages have stood in the way of a permanent move materialising. Rashford picks up around £350,000 a week all-in - a figure which would obliterate Villa's current wage structure.

Barcelona has emerged as the dream destination for Rashford, who has openly admitted that he wants to play in the same team as wonderkid Lamine Yamal. And while the Catalan side have been exploring a deal, it is understood that they would only consider a loan arrangement.

According to ESPN, sending Rashford to the Nou Camp would come at a considerable cost to INEOS as Barca would insist on United covering a portion of his lucrative pay packet.

Rashford still has three years left to run on his big-money deal, so United are facing the prospect of either finding a loan destination and chipping in for his wages until 2028, sounding out a club willing to meet his demands, paying off his contract entirely or phasing him back into the first team.

Villa and other interested clubs have the option to buy Rashford for £40million this summer, but permanent proposals have not been forthcoming. The prospect of Rashford reporting back to Carrington is therefore becoming increasingly likely.

The Red Devils academy product has been staying sharp on holiday by following an individual training programme. But by next month, Amorim will be back with his players at United's training base, working them into the ground ahead of their pre-season opener against West Ham on July 26.

As part of the same tour of the USA, United are scheduled to play Bournemouth on July 30 and Everton on August 3. Amorim will hope to be putting the finishing touches on his preparation for the competitive campaign when United host Fiorentina in another friendly on August 9.

Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 games for United since breaking into the first team in 2016. He said last December: "For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps. When I leave it's going to be no hard feelings. You're not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United."