Rashford plans to return to Manchester United after the World Cup and seeks to negotiate a renewed loan deal with Barcelona! The €40 million clause is now effectively void.

The option for Barcelona to buy out Rashford from Manchester United for €30 million (£26 million) expired at midnight on Monday. Consequently, any further pursuit of Rashford by Barcelona would require fresh negotiations on the transfer fee. Yet, the La Liga champions now only want to extend his loan, and Manchester United has stated they will not entertain another temporary deal.

After the transfer window opened, Barcelona quickly signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for €80 million (£70 million). Gordon, like Rashford, plays on the left wing, and his arrival directly impacts Rashford's future this summer.

Rashford is currently with the England national team for the World Cup. Once the tournament ends, he will take a three-week break before immediately returning to Manchester United for preseason training. The World Cup final is scheduled for July 19. Even if England reaches the final, Rashford can still participate in United’s last summer friendly against AC Milan on August 15.

While Manchester United hasn't ruled out Rashford’s return for preseason, it’s understood that the club ideally wants to sell him before his return date.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over and began managing Manchester United's football operations, strict control over salary expenses has been implemented. Selling Rashford, who earns £325,000 a week—the highest at the club—with two years left on his contract, is seen as a priority.

Last year, Rashford's number 10 jersey was given to new signing Cunha, and his locker space at Carrington and Old Trafford was also removed. After being selected for the England World Cup squad, Rashford's thank-you message made no mention of Manchester United. While their relationship hasn’t completely broken down, it’s far from amicable.

Although sent back to Manchester United by Barcelona, Rashford remains determined to return to Camp Nou. He will strive to rejoin the La Liga champions, either through a permanent transfer or another loan. Barcelona coach Hans Flick is open to having him, but Rashford must help Barcelona "convince" Manchester United to agree to another loan.

According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Rashford’s contract with Manchester United includes a €40 million release clause, but this is effectively meaningless, as no buyer will activate it. Everyone knows that €30 million would be enough to persuade United to sell him, possibly even less.

Some Premier League clubs are monitoring Rashford, but they are also aware that if he must return to English football, he would prefer to stay at Manchester United and see out the remaining two years of his contract. At Old Trafford, he would continue earning £325,000 a week—terms no other Premier League club would offer!

If Manchester United prevents Rashford from returning to Barcelona, the decision on where to go next will be his, as he holds the initiative. Currently, the 28-year-old winger is in the US preparing for the World Cup opener against Croatia. He has informed United insiders that if a move to Barcelona falls through, he will report back to Carrington after his post-tournament break.

This is both a choice and a form of pressure. Manchester United claims confidence in finding a new buyer offering more than Barcelona, but it ultimately depends on Rashford’s performance at the World Cup. If he underperforms, a price reduction may be inevitable.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: "Barcelona’s €30 million buyout clause has expired, so Rashford is officially a Manchester United player again. His future hasn’t been decided yet, as Barcelona still wants to keep him, but only on loan. Manchester United also needs time to make a decision. Rashford has a €40 million release clause, which does not apply to Manchester City or Liverpool, and the final say lies with the player. He will evaluate all options, including staying at United under Carrick."