Fabrizio Romano believes Manchester United duo will not be at Old Trafford in 2025/26
Manchester United will have some stern decisions to make once the season concludes. Their performances in the Premier League have been far from stellar, with the club languishing near the bottom of the table. However, the Red Devils have qualified for the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa League and will be hoping to win the competition to secure a place in next season’s Champions League. Playing in Europe could serve as a key factor in attracting their top transfer targets this summer.
In addition to strengthening the squad, United must also offload several underperforming players who no longer fit into new manager Ruben Amorim’s plans. Two such players are Marcus Rashford and Antony. Both endured miserable spells at Old Trafford during the first half of the season before being loaned out, Rashford to Aston Villa and Antony to Real Betis. Encouragingly, both have rediscovered some of their form at their respective clubs in the second half of the campaign.
End of the road for Marcus Rashford and Antony
Manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that Manchester United are benefiting from the improved performances of Marcus Rashford and Antony during their loan spells. Both players are expected to return to Old Trafford at the end of the season, at which point the club will make a decision regarding their futures.
However, retaining both players may prove difficult due to looming financial fair play (FFP) constraints. Renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also weighed in, offering updates on the uncertain futures of both Rashford and Antony.
Romano believes that neither Marcus Rashford nor Antony will be part of Manchester United’s squad next season. Aston Villa could look to sign Rashford permanently if they secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League. However, even if Villa decide against a permanent move, the Englishman is still expected to join another club, as United need to raise funds to pursue key targets like Matheus Cunha. Meanwhile, Real Betis are reportedly planning to retain Antony for another season on loan, rather than pursuing an immediate permanent transfer.
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Looking at their statistics, Marcus Rashford has scored six goals in 25 Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 season, averaging 0.38 goals per 90 minutes. He has contributed a total of nine goal involvements (goals + assists), equating to 0.57 goal involvements per 90 minutes, with a non-penalty expected goals (xG) figure of 0.34 per 90 minutes. Meanwhile, Antony has scored three goals in 12 La Liga matches so far this season, averaging 0.27 goals per 90 minutes. The Brazilian has registered five goal involvements, averaging 0.44 goal involvements per 90 minutes, with a non-penalty xG of 0.33 per 90 minutes.
Letting go of Marcus Rashford and Antony could prove to be a smart and necessary move for Manchester United. Rashford’s inconsistency and off-field distractions have stalled his progress, while Antony’s limited impact at Old Trafford, despite his hefty price tag, continues to weigh heavily on the club’s resources. Moving them on would free up significant wages, create room for vital new signings, and signal a much-needed ruthless edge in United’s rebuild. It would inject fresh energy into the squad and boost fan morale, sending a clear message that standards are being raised once again at Old Trafford.