Reports circulated of a Manchester United star having a verbal agreement with Real Madrid. But look, that buzz appears without foundation. No credible sources back any United player, not Bruno Fernandes or anyone else, heading to the Bernabéu with a deal in place.
Instead, the real transfer action involves Barcelona. They’re moving to make Marcus Rashford’s loan permanent. It’s a €30 million option clause, Goal.com confirms. Barcelona plans to offer Rashford a three-year contract. He’s had a big season, 23 goal contributions in 33 matches. That form made the decision easy for them.
Old Trafford’s Shifting Sands
Manchester United has been a hive of activity during the 2025-26 season. Michael Carrick took over as interim manager on January 5, 2026, after Ruben Amorim’s dismissal. The squad is in fourth place right now, following important wins against Manchester City and Arsenal.
The club spent a lot of money in the Summer 2025 window. Diego Leon came in for £3 million from Cerro Porteno. Matheus Cunha joined from Wolves for £62.5 million. Harley Emsden-James arrived for £1 million from Southampton. Bryan Mbeumo was a big signing, £71 million from Brentford. Benjamin Sesko cost £73.7 million from RB Leipzig. Senne Lammens rounded out the new faces, £18 million from Royal Antwerp. Total spending went past £228 million.
And players left, too. The January 2026 window saw several exits. Alejandro Garnacho went to Chelsea for £40 million. Jadon Sancho moved to Aston Villa on loan. Antony transferred to Real Betis for £22 million. Rasmus Hojlund is headed to Napoli on loan. Andre Onana also left, on loan to Trabzonspor. None of these players went to Real Madrid. The departures generated around £62 million, plus the loan fees.
Fernandes Stays, Casemiro Exits
Bruno Fernandes remains captain at Old Trafford. This despite Saudi interest from Al-Hilal, sources suggest. He wants to stay in Europe, that’s what he said. Keeping him was a priority for the club. He’s a key part of the team. But Casemiro’s time looks done. He’s reportedly heading out of Manchester United, with interest from an MLS side. No Real Madrid reunion for him, though.
This squad reshape is part of Carrick’s plan. A lot of new faces came in. And a few familiar ones went out. It’s a big shift in personnel, focusing the team for the manager.
Rashford’s Barcelona Future
The biggest movement connected to a Manchester United attacker is Rashford to Barcelona. Diario Sport, via ESPN, reported Barcelona activating that €30 million clause. Rashford’s form made this move a priority for them. He’s been scoring and assisting. That makes a player worth keeping.
Real Madrid, for their part, have other targets. They’ve been linked with Manchester City’s Rodri, for example. His contract situation might tempt them. But no Manchester United players are on their radar, not with verbal agreements. The reports just aren’t there for that kind of move. So, the rumor about a United star moving to Madrid without Bruno Fernandes is just that—a rumor, lacking any real backing.
Ishaan Singh 
Baishali Karmakar 
Govind Singh