Manchester United regrets that Rashford's buyout clause is only €30 million! They hope Barcelona will abandon the pursuit, but could sell him for over €50 million.

The Manchester Evening News reports that United’s top officials regret the buyout clause set for Rashford at Barcelona. Based on last summer’s loan contract, Barcelona can acquire Rashford outright for €30 million (£26 million) plus an additional €5 million contingent fee at the end of this season.

Since joining Barcelona on loan last summer, Rashford has revived his career. He has scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists in 35 matches, regained his spot in the England national team, and become one of the key wingers under new coach Tuchel. Barring any serious injury, Rashford is certain to be selected for this summer’s World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

It is well known that English internationals are highly valued. Although Rashford carries a weekly wage of £325,000, Manchester United believes his current market value is closer to £50 million. Reportedly, several other clubs are interested in signing him this summer. However, Barcelona holds the advantage as they can activate the buyout clause, and Rashford himself only wants to stay at Camp Nou.

Some Manchester United officials are unhappy with the buyout clause in the loan contract and therefore will definitely reject Barcelona’s attempt to negotiate further. These executives believe it might be more beneficial for United if Barcelona decides not to exercise the buyout, allowing the club to seek a higher transfer fee.

Of course, this view is somewhat presumptuous, as Rashford is only willing to join Barcelona. If things don’t go well, he might pressure the club to lower the transfer fee. Thus, Manchester United seems to be using this as leverage to force the La Liga giants to directly trigger the buyout clause and complete the transfer.

There were rumors that Carrick wants to recall Rashford, but insiders at Manchester United are confused by this claim, insisting it has not been discussed or planned. Especially since the loan contract does not include a mid-term recall option, making it impossible. Rashford’s return would be next season at the earliest, and Carrick himself might not even remain as coach then.

Additionally, Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wishes to reduce the club’s wage bill and therefore will not allow Rashford to stay at Old Trafford. At the same time, Ratcliffe does not want to see Barcelona sign the 28-year-old United star at a low price.

Rashford has a strong chance of making his move to Barcelona permanent. Barcelona’s head coach Hans Flick wants to keep Rashford long-term. Rashford has purchased a luxury apartment in Esplugues, a wealthy suburb of Barcelona, with views of the Collserola mountains and close to the sea, and he greatly enjoys living in Catalonia.

Rashford is willing to sacrifice salary for his "Barça dream." He ranks second in wages at Manchester United but only sixth at Barcelona. Although he has two years left on his United contract, the English star has told those close to him that he has no intention of returning to Manchester United.

It is widely believed that the Barcelona presidential election on March 15 could significantly impact Rashford’s future. Laporta resigned last week, triggering the election process, where 140,000 club members will vote to choose Barcelona’s new leadership.

According to the rules, candidates must gather signatures from 2,321 club members to qualify for the ballot. Víctor Font, Marc Serra, and Javier Villarroya are Laporta’s rivals, with Font considered his strongest opponent.

Analysis suggests that Font, Serra, and Villarroya might join forces against Laporta. Sporting director Deco represents the biggest divide between Laporta and Font; if Laporta is re-elected, Deco will remain, otherwise he will be dismissed.

Currently, the management committee is handling Barcelona’s daily operations. Rashford’s future remains undecided, with a solution likely next month. According to Marca, if Laporta wins the election, he will continue his current management style. Deco will stay as sporting director, making Rashford’s future clearer; if someone else takes over, the situation might change.

Another hopeful fact for Rashford is that Barcelona coach Flick is very pleased with him. Unless unexpected changes occur, the German is expected to remain Barcelona’s head coach and will support keeping Rashford at the club.