MU Transfer News 25/9: After Rashford, Barca aims to sign another MU star

Barca is looking to sign Rashford cheaply, and Mainoo's future continues to be a hot subject,... these are the key MU transfer updates on the morning of 25/9.

Barca plans to “request” MU to buy Rashford permanently at a bargain price

According to Daily Star, Barcelona hopes to permanently sign Marcus Rashford for around £26 million, significantly less than the £35 million valuation set by Manchester United.

The English forward is currently on a one-season loan at Barca after disputes with United’s management. Previously, he played the latter half of last season at Aston Villa. Rashford has started impressively for Blaugrana with six appearances and a brilliant double against Newcastle in the Champions League. Although Barca has the option to buy him next summer, they aim to negotiate a lower price, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly unlikely to sell the star cheaply.

Internal conflicts at MU over Kobbie Mainoo’s future

Former chief scout Mick Brown revealed tensions at Old Trafford between coach Ruben Amorim and MU’s management regarding Kobbie Mainoo’s future. The club views the young English midfielder as a strategic asset and is determined not to let him go, but Amorim is firm about how he wants to use the player.

Mainoo has started only one game in four appearances this season, unlike last season when he was called up to the England squad. Owen Hargreaves and Gary Lineker have publicly supported Mainoo, while the club’s stance remains clear: not selling their academy gem.

MU restarts pursuit of the “beast” Carlos Baleba

Football Insider reports that Manchester United will renew their interest in Carlos Baleba, the young Brighton midfielder, after failing to secure him in the summer transfer window. The 21-year-old Cameroonian is highly rated by coach Ruben Amorim for his stamina, playmaking, and defensive support—qualities MU currently lacks.

Brighton is known for tough negotiations, so the deal is expected to be costly. Fabrizio Romano confirms that the Red Devils are “closely monitoring” Baleba, considering him a crucial piece for the midfield in the second half of the season, although Amorim’s future might affect the priority level.

Barca targets Mainoo as replacement for injured Gavi

Gavi’s knee meniscus injury will sideline him for 4-5 months, forcing Barcelona to find a substitute. According to Marca, the Catalan club has contacted MU to loan Kobbie Mainoo in January 2026 with an option to buy.

The 19-year-old midfielder is rarely used by Amorim, while Barca urgently needs midfield reinforcements with only Pedri, De Jong, and Fermin Lopez available. Hansi Flick values Mainoo’s stamina and vision, seeing him as a suitable option to maintain their pressing style. If the deal succeeds, Mainoo could revive his career in a new environment, similar to what Rashford has done.