Man Utd rage at Marcus Rashford mistake as they think £50m transfer now possible

Manchester United chiefs are regretting their decision to agree to sell Marcus Rashford to Barcelona for a mere £26m.

Since his loan move to the Spanish heavyweights last summer, Rashford has managed to rejuvenate his previously faltering career. With 10 goals in 35 appearances and a reinstated position in Thomas Tuchel's England squad, United now estimate Rashford's worth to be closer to £50m - and they're aware that several other clubs are eyeing him up for a summer transfer.

However, when the loan agreement was made, United gave Barca the first option to sign him for no more than £26m. It's believed that some high-ranking individuals at United are frustrated by the terms of the deal and would prefer the winger went elsewhere.

The England star has rejuvinated his career at Barcelona(Image: Judit Cartiel, Getty Images)

JOIN US ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page

But with Rashford eager to make his Camp Nou stay permanent, Barca might try to capitalise on this by pushing for an even lower price for the striker.

Rumours suggest interim manager Michael Carrick would welcome Rashford back at United. However, there's no recall clause in the loan contract, meaning a return to United isn't possible, even if all parties were in favour.

United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still keen to remove Rashford from the club's payroll. But he's not thrilled about the idea of letting Barca secure the 28-year-old's services on the cheap.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Despite being one of United's top earners, Rashford only ranks as the sixth highest-paid player in the Barcelona squad. It's understood that Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is eager to retain Rashford for the long haul.

Rashford has purchased a lavish flat in the upscale neighbourhood of Espluges, boasting views of the Collserola mountains, and is reportedly relishing his life in Catalonia.

His £15m-a-year contract with United is set to run until 2028. However, Rashford has confided to those close to him that he has no plans to return to his boyhood club, having made the tough choice to pursue his career elsewhere.

Rashford is expected to be named in Tuchel's final squad for this summer's World Cup in North America.