Manchester United are refusing to sell Marcus Rashford to a Premier League rival, with Tottenham Hotspur among the clubs the club fears could be strengthened by the forward. The stance follows the expiration of a £40 million release clause that would have allowed a straightforward exit.
Release clause expires, shifting leverage
Rashford’s £40M release clause expired on July 15, 2026, meaning any buying club must now negotiate directly with Manchester United rather than triggering a fixed exit. United can now simply say no to any domestic rival, or price them out of a deal, without needing a formal refusal. Tottenham, if ever interested, would have needed to move before that deadline, but no verified reports confirm active Spurs pursuit.
Loan stint and World Cup summer
Rashford spent time on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona before the 2026 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals before losing 2-1 to Argentina. Multiple clubs reportedly offered wages above his current package before the clause expired, but Rashford turned them down.
United hold the cards
With no release clause and Rashford having rejected higher-wage offers, United enter pre-season with the forward in the squad and full control over his future. The club can now block any move to a domestic rival, ensuring Rashford does not return to haunt them at Old Trafford.