Barcelona have moved quickly to reassure Marcus Rashford that they remain fully behind him, despite speculation he could be sent back to Manchester United after just a few weeks in Spain.
The 27-year-old England forward joined Barça on loan this summer with a £30m option to buy, but he’s yet to score or assist in La Liga and has mostly been used from the bench. That led to reports in Spain suggesting the Catalan giants were already questioning their decision.
But respected journalist Guillem Balagué says talk of an early exit is nonsense.
“Absolutely rubbish that Barcelona is planning to end Marcus Rashford’s loan early,” he posted on X. “Barça told his representative they have a lot of confidence in Rashford’s potential and believe he will recover as a top player.”
Fresh start
Rashford left United after a frustrating spell, joining Aston Villa on loan in January before turning down a permanent move there in favour of Barça. He insists the Nou Camp represents a fresh chance to revive his career.
“I’m very excited,” he said when signing. “It’s a club where people’s dreams come true… I feel like I’m at home.”
United in ‘no man’s land’
The forward has been openly critical of the directionless state of his old club. Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Rashford claimed United have been stuck in “transition that hasn’t even started yet” and called on them to finally “make a plan and stick to it”.
Meanwhile, Barça have taken seven points from their first three games under Hansi Flick, as they look to build on last season’s domestic treble.
Rashford will be desperate to get off the mark when the champions face Valencia this weekend.
