Manchester United loanee, Marcus Rashford, has already impressed away from Old Trafford as all parties ‘intent’ on securing the £26m move in 2026.
Manchester United have seen significant changes to their attacking line as a major amount of money was spent to strengthen Rúben Amorim’s attacking threat.
Fans saw the expensive arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško to help find the clinical edge that United were missing last season as they came to a disappointing Premier League finish of 15th.
Marcus Rashford did not feature in the second half of United’s season as he found himself on loan at Aston Villa, where he gained valuable game time in the Premier League and Champions League, where he stood out particularly at home to Paris Saint-Germain, despite coming out on the losing end.
Rashford secured a move to Barcelona in the summer, where he is spending the season playing alongside some of the best players in the world, with the likes of Raphinha, Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski by his side.
Meanwhile, United set Rashford’s buy option at a low price of £26m despite the Englishman’s undeniable ability to create on the ball.
Rashford’s start to life in La Liga
Life in La Liga has been superb for Rashford as he looks to be back to his best self. Hansi Flick’s side have upheld their high standard after winning the league last season. They are currently tussling for the top spot with rivals, Real Madrid.
Rashford has arguably been the most impactful player this season as he has registered six goals and seven assists in 16 games for Barca. The most goal contributions of any player in the squad so far.
Additionally, Rashford has re-established himself as a consistent name in Thomas Tuchel’s England squads ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and with the left-wing role up in the air, maintaining this form for his club could secure his name in the starting eleven.
Spanish football has given Rashford the freedom to play without so many harsh eyes on him. The 28-year-old faced heavy criticism for his performances in the latter stages of his United career, despite being at the club since the age of seven and growing up as a fan of the club in Wythenshawe.
iPaper journalist Pete Hall has identified Rashford as a ‘stand out’ player, reporting that the Catalan giants intend to make the move permanent in the summer for £26 million.
Rashford will have to get comfortable in Barcelona colours
A permanent move would be the end of a 21-year-old story for Rashford’s time at United. In that time, the forward made 426 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 138 goals and providing 78 assists, making him the 13th highest goalscorer in the history of United.
Rashford lifted two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League throughout his career at his boyhood club, becoming United’s No. 10 and taking after the likes of Wayne Rooney and Ruud Van Nistelrooy.
Now he wears the 14 shirt in Spain after the likes of Thierry Henry, as Rashford will try to emulate the success that Henry witnessed during his time in Spain.
Rashford’s permanent move to Barcelona would be the revival he needed for his confidence, as question marks hovered over his name when he played under Ruben Amorim.
Rashford missed Barcelona’s most recent fixture against Athletic Club due to illness, but his name in the left-wing role has been set in stone since his arrival. His most notable performance came in the Champions League against Newcastle United, scoring two brilliant goals in their away win.
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