Manchester United look set for another massive change in the next year, and the biggest headline is simple: Marcus Rashford is expected to leave the club in 2026.
The same goes for Rasmus Hojlund and Jadon Sancho, as the club prepares for a huge rebuild under manager Rúben Amorim.
This feels like the end of an era for Rashford, who has been a key face of the club for many years, but now a long goodbye seems almost certain.
Rashford’s Time at Man United Looks Finished
Right now, Rashford is playing on loan at Barcelona and doing very well. He has scored goals, made assists, and settled in nicely in Spain.
Even Barcelona is happy with him, but they are not rushing to make any big decisions yet.
Barcelona has a €30m buy option, but Fabrizio Romano has said the club will not decide in November, December, or even early next year.
They want time. They want to think carefully before spending big.
But for Manchester United, the situation is already clear. Whether Barcelona buys him or not, the club expects Rashford to leave permanently in 2026.
There is no plan to bring him back into the squad.
This shows how much has changed. Rashford used to be the main star at Old Trafford. He scored 30 goals in the 2022/23 season.
But since then, things slowly went downhill. His performances dropped, his confidence looked low, and under Amorim, he never felt fully part of the plan.
In 2025, Rashford went on loan twice, first to Aston Villa and then to Barcelona. That alone says everything.
It feels like both sides agree that a clean break is the best thing next year.
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Hojlund and Sancho Also Set for Exit
Rashford is not the only player heading out. Reports say Rasmus Hojlund will join Napoli permanently, even though fans believed United might recall him after Benjamin Sesko’s injury. But the club wants to move forward without him.
Just like with Rashford, United have decided Hojlund does not fit Amorim’s system. Napoli want him, and United appear ready to accept.
Jadon Sancho, meanwhile, is also expected to go. His contract ends this season, and the club is ready to let him leave on a free transfer.
He is currently on loan at Aston Villa, the same place Rashford went the year before, but it looks like neither will return to Old Trafford again.
If all three leave, that is three major attackers gone, showing just how big this rebuild really is.
Why Rashford Leaving Makes Sense Now
Even though Rashford is doing well at Barcelona, the truth is his connection with Man United has faded over the last few seasons.
The player who once lit up Old Trafford just hasn’t looked the same.
He is still only 28 in 2026, but he needs a new challenge. A new start. A new place to express himself.
United needs that too. Rashford never looked fully comfortable in Amorim’s system.
The manager prefers players who play quicker, press more aggressively, and drop into deeper pockets. Rashford liked playing wide and cutting inside, but the new system is different.
Most fans will respect Rashford no matter what, but many agree that maybe leaving is the right move now.
United Already has the Replacements Ready
The best part for Manchester United is that they don’t need to look too far for a new star attacker.
During the summer, they signed Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, two players who have already made a strong impact.
Mbeumo has been brilliant, scoring six goals in 12 matches, and looking sharp, fast, and confident. He suits the No.10 and second-striker roles perfectly in Amorim’s system.
Cunha is still getting back to full fitness after injuries, but he has already shown glimpses of his quality from his Wolves days.
He also fits the manager’s high-energy style much better than Rashford.
Both players can play wide, central, or just behind the striker. They’re flexible, hard-working, and eager to impress. Exactly the kind of player Amorim wants.
This is why the club feels comfortable letting Rashford move on. They believe the attack can grow without him and, in some ways, maybe even work better.
A Big Change Coming to Old Trafford
If Rashford, Hojlund, and Sancho all leave in 2026, it will mark the end of a major chapter in Manchester United’s recent history.
These three were once seen as the future of the club. But football moves fast, and rebuilds come quicker than ever.
Amorim wants a fresh squad with new energy. United wants to fix its wage bill and bring in more suitable signings. And the players themselves are seeking stability.
Sometimes, change is needed, even when it feels strange. Right now, it looks like 2026 will be the year Manchester United truly turns the page.
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