Roy Keane and Gary Neville voice fears over Marcus Rashford’s future at Barcelona

Roy Keane has publicly doubted Marcus Rashford’s footballing intelligence, raising questions about his potential success in Spain following his transfer to Barcelona.

Keane was not alone in his reservations. His former Man United teammate Gary Neville also doubts Rashford can recapture the form he showed at United three years ago before things started to go downhill.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, where they were discussing winners and losers from the transfer window, Neville said: “Last one is Marcus Rashford to Barcelona. I know it’s not a big signing in terms of the Premier League but it’s an amazing move for him.

“I mean, I hope he does well. I think that him leaving is a poor reflection upon the club, but also him in terms of how it’s gone in the last few years. But I just hope he can get his career back on track. What a move.”

Keane then raised his own concerns about how well Rashford would adapt: “Do you reckon he’s got enough football intelligence to go over there and adapt to a different league, different football, different lifestyle?

“Has he got that intelligence on and off the pitch to make it work? He’s obviously a talented boy. We know his strengths and that is running in behind. He kind of stopped doing that a little bit.”

Neville highlighted that Rashford’s struggles at United, particularly with their emphasis on possession and limited space, might recur at Barcelona due to their similar playing style.

“Well I think Roy, you’re in Barcelona. It’s maybe because I’m thinking of Barcelona 10 years ago.

“I know it’s slightly different now but they dominate a lot of games whereby they are high up the pitch and you’ve got teams behind the ball, and you think Marcus is better when he’s playing in a counter-attacking system. So when you’re playing in tight areas.”

Keane then responded: “That’s why I think there are question marks, a little bit.”

Neville wrapped up the debate saying: “I know he plays off the left-hand side. But when United had teams that sat deep against him, you quite often saw him sort of run the ball out of play a bit didn’t you and stuff and, just be a bit scruffy. But I mean look, his confidence looks like he’s [on the up].”

Marcus Rashford reveals which Barcelona player he sees as most underrated

Speaking to Sport, Rashford gave a glimpse into the dynamics inside the Barcelona squad.

The former United forward picked Gavi as the biggest character in the dressing room and said Jules Kounde was the best dressed.

Rashford also mentioned that Frenkie de Jong, once a target for United, is often overlooked for what he brings to the team.

“It’s difficult, everyone is very good,” Rashford said.

“But for what he does for the team, I think Frenkie.”