Amorim's Exit Upends Rashford's Barca Plan and Spurs United's Return
5 January 2026
Amorim's Exit Rocks Rashford's Barca Plan
Manchester United announced the dismissal of head coach Rubén Amorim on Monday, throwing Marcus Rashford's future into doubt as the club recalibrates its project.
The English winger had been on loan to Aston Villa after Amorim took charge, with the reported split between player and coach cited as the breaking point in their relationship.
Last summer Rashford spent time on the fringes until Barcelona stepped in, taking him on loan with an option to buy for 40 million euros.
The rift between the manager and the player had deteriorated beyond repair, making a reunion seem nearly impossible.
In England, social media lit up with support for Rashford after Amorim's exit, while speculation about a return to the Premier League swirled.
It remains likely that United will seek to bring him back to lead a renewed project, especially as Rashford's contract runs to 2028 and Barcelona's 40 million euro option looms, a deal Barca would probably want to renegotiate.
Barcelona had hoped to sign Rashford, but any deal would require favorable terms, such as a reduced transfer fee or an extended loan, something United is said to resist firmly.
The Barça plan to sign Rashford has not vanished from conversation, but the path now hinges on finance and the appetite of both clubs.
Before Amorim's departure, Rashford had said he was giving his all to succeed with Barcelona, a sentiment that may now depend on United's next move.
Punchline 1: If football were dating, Amorim just unmatched Barca's hopes.
Punchline 2: Rashford's career path? It's not a transfer, it's a cliffhanger—stay tuned for episode two.
