Manchester United and Barcelona are reportedly in discussions over a potential swap deal involving Marcus Rashford, as the Spanish side considers acquiring the forward. Meanwhile, manager Rúben Amorim is monitoring the situation, referring to it as a challenging and sensitive issue to navigate effectively.

Reports suggest that Manchester United and Barcelona are currently engaged in discussions about a potential player exchange deal involving Marcus Rashford. The English forward appears to be approaching the end of his time at Old Trafford, with sources indicating that the Red Devils are open to offers for him during the January transfer window. This willingness to consider his departure follows earlier speculation in the summer about his possible sale.

Rashford’s future at Manchester United has grown increasingly uncertain under the management of Ruben Amorim. In a recent development, both Rashford and his teammate Alejandro Garnacho were excluded from the squad for the Manchester derby, reportedly due to concerns over their attitudes. On Tuesday, Rashford publicly expressed his desire for a “new challenge,” signaling his readiness to leave the club in search of fresh opportunities.

Despite these remarks, Amorim sought to calm the situation during a press conference on Wednesday. He emphasized that retaining a player of Rashford’s caliber could greatly benefit Manchester United. However, fresh reports from Spain reveal that the club is actively negotiating a swap deal with Barcelona. Under this proposal, Rashford would join the Catalan giants, while Frenkie de Jong would make the move to Manchester.

Manchester United have maintained a strong interest in Frenkie de Jong, with the Dutch midfielder having played only two matches in all competitions this season under Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick. De Jong was previously a top target for former United manager Erik ten Hag but is now reportedly seen as a “hot potato” at Barcelona due to his high wages. The Catalan club is believed to be eager to reduce their payroll, while Amorim sees De Jong as a key player who could strengthen United’s midfield and align with his long-term vision for the team.

Further reports indicate that Rashford has already been introduced to Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, and sporting director Deco as part of the proposed exchange. Amorim, for his part, appears willing to use Rashford as leverage to secure De Jong, potentially marking a significant turning point in United’s transfer strategy.

Simon Stone, BBC Sport’s chief football reporter, has weighed in on Amorim’s handling of the situation. He noted that the manager has carefully balanced his statements to maintain control over an already sensitive matter. Amorim has publicly praised Rashford’s talent, describing him as a vital player for the team, but his ultimate intentions will likely become clearer through his actions rather than his words.

Amorim has also made it clear that all players must adhere to his standards to earn a place in the squad. Both Rashford and Garnacho will be closely evaluated based on their training performances ahead of upcoming matches, including an EFL Cup clash with Tottenham. Even though Rashford has recovered from an illness that recently kept him out of training, failing to meet Amorim’s expectations could result in his continued exclusion from the squad.

Manchester United’s upcoming schedule includes Premier League matches against Bournemouth, Wolves, and Newcastle. These games are expected to play a crucial role in determining Rashford’s standing within Amorim’s plans. Should the forward fail to meet the rigorous demands of his new manager, it could hasten his departure from Old Trafford, paving the way for a high-profile transfer to Barcelona in January.