Manchester United have been hit with a big transfer blow in regards to what could be one of their biggest deals next summer, while one of the club’s coaches has left for Arsenal
Tom Sunderland Sports Writer
03:00, 22 Sep 2025
Marcus Rashford’s chances of a permanent move to Barcelona have been dented(Image: Dennis Agyeman / Europa Press)
Just weeks following their home defeat to Arsenal in the Premier League, Manchester United have endured another setback at the hands of the Gunners. This comes after confirmation Mikel Arteta‘s team have successfully lured away a member of the Red Devils’ coaching setup.
Further exits from Old Trafford could materialise next year if circumstances align as hoped. Marcus Rashford is potentially among those expected to depart following an encouraging start to his loan spell at Barcelona, though the prospects of that permanent switch appear to have taken a big hit.
Regarding incoming transfers, one midfield prospect previously linked with Ruben Amorim‘s squad during the summer has been sent a message. Here’s a look at the latest developments on these matters as United seek to advance their reconstruction efforts.
Coach defects to Arsenal
David Horseman is one name already passing through the Old Trafford exit doors despite joining United just three months ago as assistant manager for the under-21s. Having arrived at the club during the summer, he has now departed to take up the role of elite player development coach at Arsenal.
An Arsenal press release read: “We are delighted to announce that David Horseman has been appointed as our Professional Development Phase – elite player development coach.
David Horseman has left United’s youth setup to join Arsenal after only three months(Image: James Baylis – AMA/Getty Images)
“Under the guidance of our Head of Academy Coaching Luke Hobbs and Academy Manager Per Mertesacker, David will be working closely with our academy coaches, including PDP Lead Ken Gillard and under-21s head coach Max Porter to manage our under-19s in the UEFA Youth League and the EFL Trophy, where we are soon to compete against League One teams Cardiff City and Exeter City, as well as League Two side Newport County.”
Horseman, 41, had a brief spell as interim manager at Bristol Rovers in December 2024 before making the switch to Old Trafford following their drop to League Two. His impressive early contributions with United’s youth setup clearly caught the eye, prompting Arsenal to move for his services.
Rashford’s Barcelona prospects hurt
The loan life has proved fruitful for Rashford so far, building on a productive six-month period with Aston Villa by making an immediate impact at Barca. The England attacker marked a spectacular return to British shores on Thursday with a decisive double that secured victory during Barca’s Champions League visit to Newcastle, though this may not guarantee a permanent transfer.
This situation stems not from any shortcomings on the player’s part, but rather from La Liga’s latest financial fair play adjustments. Barcelona have faced ongoing challenges with player registrations and salary cap compliance in recent seasons, with Rashford, Dani Olmo and Joan Garcia amongst those recently impacted by these restrictions.
Rashford may be disappointed in his efforts to land a permanent switch to Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
The future appears increasingly complex for Barcelona as La Liga has once again tightened its squad cost cap. The Daily Mail reported Barca’s salary limit for the 2025/26 season has been slashed to £306million from £404m.
It is believed the disagreement stems from auditors refusing to acknowledge approximately £87m of revenue claimed by the club. This sum represents 25 years’ worth of future sales on 475 executive boxes, but the club has been informed they cannot count this towards its figures.
Rashford could secure a permanent move to Barca for an estimated fee of around £26m if the Catalans decide to activate the clause in his contract next year. However, the 27-year-old will need to continue demonstrating his worth before the Blaugrana consider such a gamble given the new financial restrictions.
Carlos Baleba receives transfer message
In other news, Carlos Baleba has been advised to “stay humble” following the collapse of a potential £100m transfer. United were reportedly interested in the Brighton midfielder during the last transfer window but withdrew after being put off by his hefty price tag.
Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has now commented on Baleba’s reaction to the transfer rumours following a disappointing start to the season. Once a key player in the Brighton line-up, Baleba has become somewhat of a peripheral figure and has yet to complete a full match for his club this season.
Carlos Baleba was linked with United in the summer before being deemed too expensive(Image: Getty Images)
“Everyone has to understand with Carlos, he’s a very young player,” said Brighton boss Hurzeler after Saturday’s 2-2 draw against Tottenham. “He needs help from us. He tried everything today. He only had 45 minutes in his body, and it’s something that we have to accept.”
When pressed for his opinion on whether the summer’s brief transfer saga has impacted his player at all, the German replied: “It’s all a lot of theory. We can only guess. For sure, when a young boy reads that there’s interest from Manchester United with a big, big offer, it might affect him deep.
“Even if he’s not saying, ‘It affects me,’ maybe deep inside of him, there is something that affects him. It’s even part of the development, to understand when you play well and a big club comes, to keep pushing, and to stay humble, to stay at Brighton and make the next step as a team.
“And that’s something we have to keep on working with him, and so, therefore, I can’t give you a clear answer if it’s really affected him or not.”
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