- Why Barcelona Should Sign Marcus Rashford This Summer
- Why He Could Be the Perfect Player for Hansi Flick’s Side
Manchester United plan to move forward without Marcus Rashford for the 2025/26 season. The English forward has received extra time off to find a solution away from the club permanently this summer.
Rashford spent half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, and although Villa fans were impressed, The club decided against making his loan move permanent for £40 million.
Like Manchester United, Marcus Rashford has regressed majorly over the past two years, but Rashford is only 27 and still has a lot to offer and prove in the next chapter of his career. Here are some reasons why Hansi Flick, Barcelona, and Spain in general provide the perfect environment for Marcus Rashford to start a new chapter and excel:
Clean Break for Marcus Rashford
Rashford’s time in the first team at Manchester United started relatively straightforward and peacefully for him during his breakthrough season.
Since then, he has moved from one issue to another—from form issues to his responsibilities under Mourinho, followed by a mixed spell with Ole Gunnar Solskjær, and highs and lows with Erik ten Hag. Rashford needs a clean break away from Manchester United, a club that has tanked the stocks of some top players in recent years.
Villa gave him much-needed time away; Barcelona can represent a brand-new chapter, a breath of fresh air, and an escape from the English media—a new city, country, and league. That was enough to breathe new life into a player like Antony last season. If it does the same for Rashford, the Englishman could rediscover his best form and even surpass it.
The Perfect Hansi Flick Forward
An in-form Marcus Rashford is one of the most dangerous attackers in world football. From outrageous dribbling to pure speed and composure in front of goal, an in-form Rashford would suit Hansi Flick’s system perfectly.
During a settled first season under Erik ten Hag, he scored 30 goals for Manchester United and also notched 12 assists in all competitions. If Hansi Flick works his magic and gets Marcus Rashford fit and firing again, he could surpass the expectations of Barcelona fans.
Barca’s Dynamism and Alternative Striker Option
Marcus Rashford significantly increases Barcelona’s dynamism. Rashford can play across the frontline and also as a supporting striker, making Barça even more difficult to predict in possession next season.
He can also play as a number 9 for Barcelona. He has featured in that role over the years for Manchester United, and also did for Aston Villa last season.
With the ageing Robert Lewandowski as their main striker, Rashford could represent two options for Barcelona—as a starter on the left wing or as a striking option when Lewandowski needs rest or becomes unavailable.
Marcus Rashford has shown over the years that he is a talented footballer. However, instability at Manchester United has hindered much of his Premier League career. While he does not stand blameless for his current situation, the English forward remains a player capable of thriving in an environment like Barcelona’s. A £25 million to £40 million gamble on Rashford could solve a host of problems for the Spanish side—if it pays off.
