After turbulent months at Manchester United, Marcus Rashford wants to revive his career at FC Barcelona.
He was once considered the great hope for the future of Manchester United. After 18 years at the club, over 400 professional games and more than 200 goal involvements, Marcus Rashford’s era there has – at least for the time being – come to an end. The 27-year-old was officially unveiled as an FC Barcelona player on Wednesday.
The Catalans have agreed a loan deal with the English record champions until June 30, 2026. A purchase option for the winger is part of the deal.
Marcus Rashford made his professional debut for Manchester United in 2016
The fact that Rashford would one day leave Manchester once seemed hardly imaginable. At the age of nine, the Manchester-born footballer joined the youth academy of the prestigious club. He then caused a sensation in the various age groups.
Rashford with a dream debut
Later, Rashford made a fairytale debut with the professionals. In his debut in February 2016 against Midtjylland in the Europa League, he scored two goals and became the second youngest Europa League scorer at the age of 18.
Just three days later, in the 3-2 home win against FC Arsenal, he made his first minutes in the Premier League and once again transformed Old Trafford into a madhouse with two more goals.
But the last few years in Manchester have been increasingly marked by uncertainty, criticism and unrest for the homegrown player. The 2024/25 season finally brought the break.
Difficult position under United coach Amorim
Under coach Ruben Amorim, who took over in the summer of 2024, Rashford did not have an easy time. His last game for United dates back to December 2024.
A trigger for the tense relationship between coach and player is said to have been a training performance by Rashford before the derby against Manchester City, which was perceived as listless.
At the beginning of the year, the Englishman then reported sick after partying on two consecutive nights. This contradicted Amorim’s claim to only work with players who fully identify with his vision.
Despite a short-term loan to Aston Villa in February – with four goals and six assists in 17 games quite respectable – it was clear for the new season: Under Amorim, Rashford is not planned at United. The fact that his long-standing number 10 was assigned to newcomer Matheus Cunha further fueled the rumors of departure surrounding the international player.
Barca’s desired transfer falls through
The now completed move to Barcelona was by no means a matter of course. The Catalans originally had other plans: Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao was considered the desired player until he surprisingly extended his contract until 2035 at the beginning of July. Luis Diaz from FC Liverpool, who was also traded at the Catalans, turned out to be unaffordable.
In the midst of this impasse, Rashford crystallized as the optimal solution – a player with international format and the will to make a new start. For Barcelona, this was a stroke of luck in view of the strict Financial Fair Play rules: Rashford does not cost the club a transfer fee.
In addition, he can be used in several offensive positions. This fulfills Flick’s desire for more breadth in attack. Because although Barca was the most dangerous team in La Liga in the previous season with 102 goals, personnel bottlenecks occurred as soon as key players such as Robert Lewandowski or Raphinha were absent.
Change of scenery offers a great opportunity
For Rashford himself, the change is more than a change of scenery – it is the chance to give new shine to his career in the best football age.
The years at Manchester United as a locally rooted player were accompanied by enormous pressure. The role as a figurehead became increasingly a burden, now he can play more freely.
Rashford made his joy about this step clear at his presentation at Camp Nou, where he was frenetically received by numerous fans in front of the stadium: “Barcelona is a club where people’s dreams come true. What the club stands for also means a lot to me, and I feel at home here, which is an important factor in my decision. I feel like I’m joining a family.”
“An important part of my life”
Despite the recent difficult time, the departure from Manchester United was conciliatory. Rashford spoke with respect about his former club: “I have nothing bad to say about Manchester United, it was not only an important part of my career, but also of my life.”
And even if it sounds like a final farewell, a back door remains open: Should Barcelona not exercise the purchase option, Rashford could return in the summer of 2026 – with then still two years of contract with United.