Nicky Butt explains why Marcus Rashford is perfect for Arsenal

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The Peoples Person

2 July 2026

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford’s future remains a major issue for INEOS this summer.

The Red Devils

were hoping that an impressive loan spell at Barcelona would have helped them permanently offload their academy graduate this year.

Rashford finished last season with 14 goals and 14

assists

in 49 appearances for the Catalans, helping them win LaLiga and the Supercopa de Espana.

Source:

Transfermarkt

However, this was not enough to convince the Spanish champions to trigger the €30 million purchase option in the deal. A recent report relayed by

states that United have held discussions with Rashford’s entourage and are willing to reintegrate him into Michael Carrick’s pre-season squad.

However, with Rashford previously deemed surplus to requirements, it is clear that INEOS would

prefer

to offload him permanently this summer. As things stand, though, Rashford is set to return to Old Trafford after the 2026 World Cup, where he has been heavily involved so far.

Rashford started the 2026 World Cup from the bench against Croatia in the opening group stage game, but managed to get on the scoresheet in the 4-2 win. That, however, was not enough to earn him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s starting XI in the 0-0 draw against Ghana in the following game, where he was a substitute once again.

With Anthony Gordon failing to impress as well, Rashford was afforded a place in the starting XI against Panama, but the United star did

little of note

. Tuchel, though, opted to continue with the 28 year old in the Round of 32 tie against Congo.

Unfortunately, Rashford’s struggles

continued

and he was replaced by Gordon in the 61st minute with England trailing 1-0. Harry Kane went on to score a late brace to secure passage to the Round of 16, where they will face Mexico.

Meanwhile,

Rashford’s

mixed time across the Atlantic will be a cause for concern, as it could hamper United’s chances of offloading him this summer. Club legend Nicky Butt, however, believes his countryman is good enough to play for a Premier League rival.

Speaking on

The Good, The Bad and The Football

podcast, Butt insisted that Rashford would be a good fit at the Emirates. He said: “I think it’d be a perfect fit for Marcus, Arsenal. I’d liken it to Welbeck when he went to Arsenal.”

“I think it’s a big club that they’re used to playing for and I think Marcus still has a lot (to offer), what is he, 28, 29? I think the only way he can stay at Man Utd is if they can’t get a buyer for him. But for me, if I was Arsenal I’d be signing him all day long.”

“I think Trossard is a really good squad player. I think Martinelli replace him with Rashford all day long. I think what you’re going to get what a club would get for him get him for 30 million pound in modern day football for Rashford is nothing.”

Arsenal have been linked with the Englishman earlier this summer, although a recent

report

suggests that he is not a priority for Mikel Arteta.

United have done business with Arsenal before, but it is unclear whether they would consider further strengthening the reigning champions. Meanwhile, Rashford reportedly has his

heart set on

joining Barcelona, or Bayern if a move to Camp Nou does not materialise. As such, this saga looks set to become increasingly complicated in the coming weeks.

Featured image Michael Steele via Getty Images

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