Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly ruled out allowing Marcus Rashford to join a direct Premier League rival as the club considers the forward’s long-term future.

According to the UK Mirror, United are keen to remove Rashford from their wage bill but do not want him strengthening a domestic competitor such as Arsenal, Manchester City or Liverpool.

Rashford, 28, has returned to Carrington for pre-season training after spending the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona. However, his future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.

The club has also reportedly rejected loan approaches from Chelsea, Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur as it seeks to avoid sending the England international to another Premier League side.

United officials are said to be concerned that Rashford could make a significant impact for a rival and potentially help them secure Champions League qualification. Such an outcome would reportedly be viewed as embarrassing by senior figures at the club.

Rashford has been linked with a permanent departure from United following a difficult period at the club, but any deal involving a Premier League rival appears unlikely under the reported restrictions