Manchester United face the possibility of being forced to release Marcus Rashford from his contract this summer following a change to players' rights laws. The 28-year-old forward concluded a highly profitable season-long loan at Barcelona, where he won La Liga while contributing 14 goals and 14 assists. However, Barcelona have made it known they won't be signing Rashford permanently after recruiting his England team-mate Anthony Gordon in a £70 million move instead.
That leaves Rashford at something of a loose end as he prepares to return to United once the 2026 World Cup is over. However, manager Michael Carrick won't be able to follow in his predecessor Ruben Amorim's footsteps if his plan is to move Rashford on, due to a new FIFA ruling.
FIFA rule change impacts player treatment
FIFA recently announced a memorandum of understanding in collaboration with players' union Fifpro. The change means any player exiled from the main squad can file a breach-of-contract claim and demand they be released as a result. A successful claim would also oblige the club in question to pay up the remainder of said player's contract.
It was around 12 months ago that Rashford was named as part of Amorim's 'bomb squad' at Old Trafford. The title was given to a group of players the ex-United boss wanted to get rid, so he made them train separately from the rest of the main squad. That tactic worked from a logistical point of view as fellow bomb squad members Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Antony each moved on. However, exiling players in such a manner could come at a hefty cost in future.
Financial implications for United
In Rashford's case, if he were to file a successful claim, United would be obliged to pay the remainder of his contract. That would stack up to the tune of around £30 million given he has two years remaining on his £300,000-a-week deal at Old Trafford. Needless to say, that's not the kind of amount United can afford to give up for nothing this summer. It only further encourages Carrick to try and bring Rashford back into the fold if a transfer away can't be agreed.
The FIFA ruling is designed to protect players from being segregated from the rest of their squad when a manager isn't happy. Forcing players to train in isolation may be effective in terms of getting them to depart but was found to be abusive in nature.
Shearer's advice and Rashford's future
Premier League icon Alan Shearer recently voiced his opinion that Carrick should do all in his power to move the player on this summer. The Newcastle legend believes 'too much may have gone on' behind the scenes for things to be salvaged at United. However, in the event Rashford does find himself as something of a fifth wheel at United, he'll still be a part of the squad. Even if that's not his nor the manager's preference ahead of what may be an awkward post-World Cup reunion.
