Louis Saha Warns Against Selling Marcus Rashford to Arsenal

Sunday, June 21, 2026

Manchester United are weighing their options for Marcus Rashford’s future after Barcelona declined to sign him permanently, with the club keen to reduce his high wages but cautious about selling to direct Premier League rivals like Arsenal. Former striker Louis Saha has warned that transferring Rashford to Arsenal would strengthen a competitor, complicating United’s decisions on balancing financial and competitive concerns.

Manchester United have been cautioned against selling Marcus Rashford to Arsenal this summer, following the forward’s unsuccessful loan spell at Barcelona. Rashford is expected to return to United ahead of pre-season after the Catalan club decided not to pursue a £26 million permanent transfer. Despite this, United remain eager to reduce their wage bill, with Rashford earning £325,000 per week, and are open to offers for a permanent deal.

Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has strongly advised against any transfer of Rashford to Arsenal, warning that such a move would ultimately harm United's interests. Saha drew parallels to Robin van Persie’s controversial transfer from Arsenal to Manchester United, which aided United’s Premier League title win, and expressed concern about strengthening a direct rival.

“For me, selling Marcus Rashford to Arsenal is a complete no-go. I wouldn’t give any strength to the reigning Premier League champions,” Saha said. He emphasized Rashford’s scoring potential, noting that the forward is capable of netting 20 to 25 goals in a season when in form, and described him as a "real danger" to competitors.

Rashford’s situation became uncertain after Barcelona opted instead to sign England international Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for nearly £70 million. Gordon, 25, has since joined the Spanish side and the England national team for the World Cup. Rashford made a strong impact last season at Barcelona, contributing to 28 goals in 49 appearances, but the club chose to pursue Gordon, who may be better suited to their plans in the No. 9 role.

While acknowledging Rashford’s talent, Saha suggested that a return to Manchester United might not benefit either party in the current context. “He was linked to Barcelona, but Deco has seen it differently. Maybe Gordon is younger and can play that No.9 role, but I don’t think going back to United is going to be helpful for anyone,” Saha said.

As Rashford seeks a new club, Manchester United’s management will face the challenge of balancing the financial implications of his wages with considerations about squad competitiveness and league rivalries. No official offers have been confirmed, and United appear intent on managing Rashford’s future in a way that avoids strengthening a direct Premier League competitor.