Marcus Rashford has experienced a turbulent year at Manchester United. Once an undisputed star at Old Trafford, he has since fallen out of favour, culminating in a January loan move to Aston Villa. Rúben Amorim, newly appointed as United’s manager, did not see a place for Rashford in his plans, making the departure inevitable. Under Unai Emery at Villa Park, the 28-year-old forward has shown glimpses of his former self, proving he still has plenty to offer, even if he isn’t the same explosive talent he was in 2020.
Meanwhile, Barcelona have not forgotten about Rashford. According to Fabrizio Romano via Youtube, the Catalan giants have reignited their interest in the Englishman as they prepare for the summer transfer window. Barca reportedly see Rashford as a versatile asset who can operate as a centre-forward or on the wing, a valuable trait for a squad with limited depth and financial constraints.
Interest in Rashford first emerged in January, but a potential move to Camp Nou was blocked by two key factors: Ansu Fati’s reluctance to leave and the club’s Financial Fair Play limitations. Now, however, Barcelona believe Rashford could be available at a more feasible price, especially if United decide to offload him permanently.
“They believe at Barcelona that Rashford might be available on the market. They believe at Barcelona that Rashford could be a good solution because he can play as number nine, he can play on the wing, so he can help in several positions and he’s a player appreciated by those at Barcelona. Barca already wanted Rashford in January. It didn’t happen because Ansu Fati didn’t leave, and so in terms of Financial Fair Play it was not possible to balance the deal, but Marcus Rashford remains on the list of Barcelona. If Rashford is not staying at Aston Villa, we will see what happens as he is one of the options under consideration at Barcelona.”
Rashford’s name remains firmly on the radar at Camp Nou. While he continues to rebuild his form at Aston Villa, Barcelona are keeping a close eye on his situation, ready to pounce if United decide to part ways permanently. The question now is whether Rashford would be willing to trade the relentless pace of the Premier League for the more cerebral, possession-based style of La Liga.
While there is no official proposal on the table yet, the interest is real. Much will depend on how Rashford’s remaining weeks at Villa Park unfold. If he continues to impress under Unai Emery, Barcelona may be more inclined to accelerate talks and make a formal approach. For Rashford, the decision will come down to whether he sees his future in the Premier League or is ready to embrace a fresh start on the Mediterranean coast.
Now, United face a difficult decision. They could offload Rashford and recoup some money, although it likely won’t be a significant sum given his declining form. Alternatively, they could give him another chance if Amorim reconsiders his stance. However, that scenario seems unlikely.
In reality, a transfer appears to be the best option for all parties. A change of scenery could reinvigorate Rashford’s career, while United could free up space and funds to bring in players who align with Amorim’s tactical vision. If Barcelona present a reasonable offer, United should seriously consider accepting it. Continuing to hold onto Rashford only prolongs the frustration for both the player and the club. His time at Old Trafford seems to have run its course, and a fresh start elsewhere may be the only way forward.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!