Gabriel Agbonlahor claims ‘something really strange’ is going on with Marcus Rashford as the England star remains in limbo at Manchester United with no bids this summer

Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has caused a stir by publicly admitting he is “really surprised” by the lack of interest in Marcus Rashford this summer, insisting something “really strange” appears to be happening with the 28-year-old Manchester United winger. Agbonlahor’s comments on talkSPORT have ignited fresh debate around Rashford’s future, with many fans and pundits now questioning where the former England international will end up when the transfer window closes in August.

The situation is far from straightforward. Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where he delivered a strong performance, scoring 13 goals and assisting 10 in 43 La Liga and Champions League appearances before helping the club retain the Spanish title. Barcelona held an option to buy the England international for around £26 million (€30 million), but the deal was not triggered. As a result, Rashford has now officially returned to Manchester United for pre-season training under new manager Michael Carrick. The two-year remainder of his £325,000-a-week contract remains on United’s books, with the club still carrying the full wage bill after Barcelona paid the final season’s salary on his behalf.

Agbonlahor, speaking candidly, said: “I’m just surprised teams haven’t bid for him. I don’t understand the Gordon transfer, I really don’t. I feel Rashford is a better option than Gordon.” The former Villa star pointed to the contract situation as a major factor: “He’s 28. Is it the wages? I’m looking at someone where it’s maybe to do with his contract, he’s got two years left at Manchester United. The wages are too much for clubs to maybe sign him on a four-year deal. But something really strange going on there. Whoever signs him has got a fantastic player.”

Agbonlahor also highlighted Rashford’s improved headspace. He noted that the player was seen training extra hours at Inter Miami before the World Cup and that “we heard nothing negative about Marcus Rashford” during his time at Barcelona. “He’s in a better headspace being away from Manchester,” he explained. “If I’m him and I’m his agent, does he look at another club abroad to get away from any distractions that he might have?”

The pundit suggested the situation may only become clear at the end of the transfer window. “Does this come down to the end of August, the end of the transfer window?” he asked. “Maybe it has to be because I just don’t see him playing for Manchester United again. One, Manchester United and the players they’ve brought in. He doesn’t fit into that team. Also, as a player, I know it might not be much to a lot of people, but he’s lost his number — Matheus Cunha took his number. I don’t think he’s going to come back and be like, ‘OK, I’ll wear this number now, and I’ll be a bit part player.’ I think Marcus Rashford and Manchester United’s relationship is done. I don’t see him being there at the end of the transfer window.”

Rashford’s path back to United has been complicated by the recent departure of sporting director Richard Hughes, who is linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, and the earlier exit of Michael Edwards. The club has also been linked with other signings, including a potential £30 million move for Crysencio Summerville if Rashford were to depart. Fabrizio Romano has dismissed reports of any interest from Turkish side Fenerbahce, confirming there are currently no negotiations with the Premier League giants.

The debate has been further fuelled by Rashford’s strong showing during the 2026 World Cup. After topping Group C with a dramatic late victory over Japan, Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the last-16, with Erling Haaland’s double proving decisive. Rashford scored four goals before the exit, but many fans believe the England international’s form at Barcelona and his improved confidence make him a prime candidate for a big-money move to a top European club.

Despite the lack of bids so far, Agbonlahor remains optimistic that clarity will emerge soon. He added: “Does this come down to the end of August?” The former Villa striker’s blunt assessment has resonated with United supporters, many of whom now question whether the £325,000-a-week forward can ever fully settle back at Old Trafford after spending a successful season abroad.

Rashford himself has already confirmed his availability for pre-season training, and sources close to him suggest he is happy to work with Michael Carrick. The new manager wants to assess the player’s attitude and performances before making a final decision on whether he stays at United or heads elsewhere. A £40 million clause is available to any potential buyer, excluding rivals Manchester City and Liverpool, offering clubs a realistic price point if they decide to make a bid.

The uncertainty around Rashford’s future has also raised questions about United’s squad planning. With the arrival of players like Jeremy Jacquet and Víctor Muñoz, the club is looking to strengthen in attack, but many wonder if Rashford’s departure could free up wage space that could be used to sign targets like Summerville. The £325,000-a-week deal, which United have carried for two seasons, is clearly a sticking point for other clubs, and Agbonlahor’s comments have highlighted how the contract, combined with the squad’s current direction under Carrick, has created a strange limbo.

Social media has been alive with reactions since the talkSPORT interview. Fans have split between those who believe Rashford needs a fresh start and those who think he is better off returning to Old Trafford under Carrick. One viral clip showed the pundit’s exact words, with thousands commenting that “something really strange” is indeed happening with the England international. Others pointed to Rashford’s improved form at Barcelona, where he was no longer hampered by the pressure at United and enjoyed playing football again.

The situation is unlikely to be resolved quickly. Rashford’s next major test will come during pre-season, where he will be given the chance to impress Carrick and prove his worth. If he performs well, the chances of him staying at United will rise dramatically. If he struggles or the club decides to look elsewhere, a move to a top European side could still materialise before the transfer window slams shut.

Gabriel Agbonlahor’s candid assessment has injected fresh energy into the Rashford debate, forcing clubs to take notice and reminding everyone that the 28-year-old England winger remains one of the most talked-about players in football. Whether he stays in the Premier League, makes a move abroad, or even returns to Barcelona on a new deal, one thing is clear: the “something really strange” that Agbonlahor speaks about has captivated the entire football world and is set to dominate headlines in the coming weeks and months.

The question now is simple: where does Marcus Rashford belong? Manchester United, a top European club, or somewhere else entirely? The answer could come as early as the end of the transfer window, but for now the silence speaks volumes. Agbonlahor has done his part by raising the issue, and the football world is watching closely to see how this story unfolds.