Latest news with #JaviRuiz
The Independent
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The Independent
For sure – Marcus Rashford would relish playing with Lamine Yamal at Barcelona
Macus Rashford has revealed he would like to play alongside teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal at Barcelona. Rashford, 27, signed a five-year contract with Manchester United in 2023, but spent the second half of the recently concluded Premier League campaign on loan at Aston Villa and his future under Ruben Amorim – who had left him out of several squads – remains uncertain. The forward opened up about his ambitions in an interview with Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz which was shared by BBC Sport. Asked if he would like to be team-mates with Barca's 17-year-old scoring sensation Yamal, Rashford said: 'Yes, for sure. Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully… we'll see.' Barcelona sporting director Deco in May told Catalan radio station RAC1 that the club 'like' Rashford. Rashford added: 'It's difficult to put into words what (Yamal) is doing because he's not supposed to be doing that at 16 or 17. I don't think we've seen that before.'
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rashford eyes Barcelona move amid Yamal admiration
Marcus Rashford Hints at Barcelona Move Amid Yamal Praise Rashford's La Liga Ambition Raises Eyebrows Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has publicly revealed his interest in joining Barcelona, sparking fresh speculation about his Old Trafford future. In a recent interview with Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz, Rashford heaped praise on teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and didn't hold back when asked if he'd like to play alongside him. Advertisement 'Yes, for sure, Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully… we'll see,' Rashford responded, hinting at a potential move that would mark a dramatic shift in his career trajectory. Uncertain United Future for Rashford Having spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, Rashford finds himself at a crossroads. Despite being under contract with United for another three years, no offers have been tabled for the 26-year-old forward, according to Sky Sports News. The uncertainty is compounded by Manchester United's broader summer shake-up under head coach Ruben Amorim. Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, and Victor Lindelof have all departed, while Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Alejandro Garnacho are reportedly up for sale. Barcelona Interest Not New Barcelona's interest in Rashford isn't without foundation. Sporting director Deco admitted last month that the club 'like' Rashford as well as Liverpool's Luis Diaz. Additionally, Athletic Club's Nico Williams is also on their radar. Advertisement Rashford's admiration for Yamal may make a switch even more appealing. 'It's difficult to put into words what he's doing because he's not supposed to be doing that at 16 or 17. I don't think we've seen that before,' he said, clearly impressed by the young winger's breakout performances for both Barcelona and Spain. Photo: IMAGO United Already Planning Reinforcements United's recruitment drive continues, with Matheus Cunha arriving from Wolves for £62.5m. The Red Devils are also interested in Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, as Amorim seeks to rebuild after the club's lowest-ever Premier League finish. Advertisement Despite the transfer buzz, the Rashford situation remains unresolved. His high-profile comments about Barcelona are unlikely to go unnoticed by the Old Trafford hierarchy or the fans who've watched his journey from academy product to club figurehead. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Manchester United supporter's perspective, Marcus Rashford's latest comments are bound to divide opinion. On one hand, it's natural for any top-level player to admire talents like Lamine Yamal – the 17-year-old is already a phenomenon at Barcelona. But for a United stalwart to openly speak about wanting to play elsewhere, especially during such a critical rebuild, leaves a sour taste. There's also frustration over the timing. Rashford's dip in form and subsequent loan to Aston Villa were signs he was no longer an automatic starter. Fans hoped a strong pre-season would reignite his United career. Instead, this flirtation with Barcelona may feel like a distraction, if not a signal of intent to move on. Advertisement Some will point to Rashford's loyalty over the years – including playing through injuries and staying amid previous offers – as reason to give him grace. Others will argue that no player is bigger than the club, and Amorim's refresh demands full commitment. If Rashford stays, fans will expect clarity and professionalism. If he departs, they'll want it handled swiftly and with dignity. Either way, his comments make it clear that Rashford sees his career path beyond Manchester – and the club must now decide if it's time to cash in.
