Barcelona and Atletico Madrid hit stumbling block in pursuit of Manchester United outcast: Reports 

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have reportedly hit a roadblock in their pursuit of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. The 27-year-old has not been a regular for the Red Devils since the arrival of new head coach Ruben Amorim.

Marcus Rashford is a product of the Manchester United academy and was once considered among the most promising young talents in football. The Englishman made his senior debut for the Red Devils in February 2016. In 426 appearances for United across competitions, Rashford has recorded 138 goals and 63 assists.

However, given his decline in form since the 2022-23 season, Manchester United are open to selling Rashford in January. The 27-year-old is reportedly not a part of Ruben Amorim's plans and has not featured in the last four games for the Red Devils. Rashford's current contract runs until June 2028.

According to Fichajes.net, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are reportedly considering backing out of signing Marcus Rashford despite showing initial interest. Both clubs are worried about the attacker's recent poor form coupled with his high wages. As per Capology, Rashford earns a reported £15.6 million annually, a big figure for both LaLiga outfits with certain financial constraints.

The aforementioned report also claims that both clubs are worried about Marcus Rashford not being able to regain the form he was once hailed for worldwide. The England international has contributed seven goals and three assists in 24 outings across competitions this season. While both Barcelona and Atletico Madrid consider Rashford a good fit for their systems, his poor form has cast doubt over their pursuit of the player.

Some clubs from the Saudi Pro League and Turkish sides Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are reportedly interested in signing Marcus Rashford. The Englishman's future remains uncertain, with Man United keen on offloading the player in January.

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Manchester United keen on signing Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen: Reports

Andreas Christensen - Source: Getty

According to Mundo Deportivo (h/t TEAMTalk), Manchester United are interested in signing Barcelona defender Andreas Christensen. The Denmark international had been a regular for the Catalan giants before an Achilles tendon injury sidelined him in August 2024.

Christensen has made only one appearance for La Blaugrana this season, before missing 24 games due to his injury. However, recent reports indicated that the 28-year-old has begun training with the group and will make his return soon. Despite his impending return, Christensen has been linked to an exit in January.

The aforementioned report lists Manchester United and Juventus among interested parties, with neither club being concerned about his injury woes. The Red Devils require major reinforcement in their backline with key defenders Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans all past their best form.

With Barcelona looking to bring in some cash with Christensen's sale, Old Trafford could be a potential destination for the Dane.