Gabriel Agbonlahor says something "really strange" is happening around Marcus Rashford, and the market numbers do make the situation look odd. Rashford is due to return to Manchester United for pre-season training this summer after Barcelona did not exercise an option to sign him permanently. He still has two years left on his £325,000-a-week contract.

Agbonlahor's view on the market

"I'm just surprised teams haven't bid for him," Agbonlahor said. "But [there's] something really strange going on there. Whoever signs him has got a fantastic player."

That is opinion, not fact, but it is hard to dismiss the wider point. A player of Rashford's profile, on that wage, with no confirmed bid and a return to Old Trafford waiting, is an awkward fit for clubs trying to move quickly in the market. Agbonlahor went further too, saying: "I think Marcus Rashford and Manchester United's relationship is done. I don't see him being there at the end of the transfer window."

Carrick has not closed the door

Michael Carrick was far more careful when asked about Rashford's future. "I just think there are decisions to be made in time, really, on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation. But at this point in time, nothing's been decided," he said.

He also added: "For me, individual players who I'm able to work with in this part of the squad then I enjoy doing that, and trying to get the best out of them."

Rashford's recent output has not made the picture any cleaner. He has 215 minutes across his last five tracked matches, with one assist and a 6.85 average rating in that run. That is not the profile of a player forcing every club in Europe to reset its plans.

The shirt situation adds another layer. Matheus Cunha took Rashford's number 10 shirt after his £62.5m move from Wolverhampton Wanderers, so even a return to Manchester United would come with a different look than the one Rashford once had.

Barcelona's decision not to take up the option leaves the bigger question untouched. Rashford is due back at Carrington for pre-season, Carrick has said nothing is settled, and the next move still depends on whether another club actually steps in.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 2 outlets. How we work →