United have reportedly ruled out domestic moves for the 28-year-old forward as the club considers his future after Barcelona loan

Manchester United have reportedly blocked Marcus Rashford from joining six Premier League rivals as the club considers the 28-year-old forward’s future following his loan spell at Barcelona.

Also read: Manchester City Sign 34-Year-Old Rulli On Two-Year Deal

According to the report cited by Daily Post, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is unwilling to sanction a move that could see Rashford strengthen a direct domestic competitor.

Rashford has returned to Carrington for pre-season training after spending the previous campaign on loan at Barcelona. His long-term position at Old Trafford, however, remains uncertain.

United are keen to reduce their wage commitments, but the club reportedly does not want to solve that problem by allowing Rashford to move to a Premier League side capable of competing directly for European qualification or major honours.

Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool are among the clubs reportedly ruled out by the restrictions.

Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have also allegedly seen loan approaches rejected, extending the list of six Premier League clubs that United do not want Rashford to join.

The concern inside the club is understood to be sporting as much as financial. United reportedly fear that Rashford could rediscover his best form at a rival and make a meaningful contribution to a Champions League qualification campaign.

That possibility would carry particular sting for United if Rashford were to flourish against the club that developed him and where he became one of the most recognisable academy graduates of the modern era.

Rashford’s situation has changed considerably since his breakthrough at Old Trafford.

The England international has produced memorable spells of goalscoring form for United, including a 30-goal campaign in 2022/23, but his relationship with the club has subsequently become increasingly complicated.

His loan to Barcelona offered Rashford an opportunity to revive his career away from the intense scrutiny surrounding his position at United.

The forward now faces an important decision over his next move, while United must balance the desire to remove a substantial salary from the wage bill against the risk of strengthening a domestic rival.

Also read: Manchester City Sign 34-Year-Old Rulli On Two-Year Deal

For now, the reported restrictions leave Rashford’s options narrower in England and could increase the importance of interest from clubs outside the Premier League.