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The Guardian
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
Marcus Rashford must stave off sense of anticlimax after Barcelona switch
If Anthony Martial hadn't been injured in the warm-up, and Manchester United hadn't already been missing 12 players, Marcus Rashford wouldn't have played. It hadn't seemed a particularly significant game: the second leg of a round-of-32 Europa League tie against Midtjylland on a chilly and cloudy February night. Old Trafford was far from full, the disillusionment that was beginning to stalk Louis van Gaal escalating after a 2-1 first-leg defeat. It soon got worse for United as Pione Sisto increased Midtjylland's advantage. An own goal pulled one back but, before half-time, Juan Mata missed a penalty. But Rashford then slammed in a Mata cutback and converted a Guillermo Varela cross with a side-foot volley to give United the lead. They ended up winning 5-1. In the space of 12 second-half minutes, Rashford had been elevated from almost complete unknown to potential messiah, a status he confirmed three days later by scoring two and setting up another in a win over Arsenal. He was 18, Manchester-born, confident but understated. It was almost too perfect. What then would have seemed a plausible future? What would he have taken had fate offered? One hundred goals for United? Two hundred? A Champions League? Given that was before Gareth Southgate had become England manager, perhaps dreams of winning a major tournament with England would have seemed far-fetched, but 20 goals for his country? Thirty? Yet here we are 10 years on, with Rashford unwanted at Old Trafford and joining Barcelona on loan. He has scored 87 league goals for United and picked up two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League. And while he was part of the side that was second at Euro 2020, the achievement is inevitably tainted by the fact that he hit the post with his penalty in the shootout; three inches to the right, it would have been a goal and England would have led the shootout 3-2 with the pressure firmly on Italy. It's a perfectly decent career, but there is an unavoidable sense of anticlimax, particularly over the past couple of seasons. Having scored 30 goals in all competitions for United in 2022-23, when he also got three in the World Cup, Rashford has scored just 19 over the past two years, four of them on loan at Aston Villa. He has often looked disaffected, the headlines about his off-field activities switching from his campaign for free meals for children to ill-judged socialising. Rashford is still only 27, at his notional peak – albeit that players who start early often reach their peaks early (and those who believe in the rule of 500 may note that Rashford reached his 500th career appearance in Villa's 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest at the beginning of April). He did enough for Villa to make it at least plausible that his problems are essentially those of Manchester United and that a reset may yet allow him to reach the heights that seemed plausible a decade ago. There has been little evidence of the sort of physical decline, the loss of acceleration Raheem Sterling has apparently suffered. Yet Villa clearly didn't see enough in his 10 league appearances for them to exercise their £40m option to buy; even given how close they are pushing the PSR threshold, it's hard to avoid at least a slight sense of Rashford failing upwards, rejection from Villa leading to an offer from Barcelona. That's assuming Barça are able to find another lever to pull so they can register him. He joins the goalkeeper Joan García in the queue of players Barcelona have signed but have not yet been able to register because of La Liga's financial regulations. It's not an uncommon problem at the club and they've always found a way. It took the controversial sale of rights to VIP seats for the next 25 years to a Qatari company for Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor to be registered last season. There is less and less future income to sell off. Rashford has agreed to a minimum 15% cut in his £325,000-a-week wages (potentially 25% including bonuses), but that still represents a significant sum even with Barça returning to the refurbished Camp Nou soon. Complicated as Barcelona's finances are, though, this could, if the issue is essentially clearing his head, be the perfect place for Rashford to recover his form. He's away from the constant scrutiny of England, which was only heightened as he became a culture-war pawn. The pace and intensity of La Liga are not that of the Premier League. Barcelona play extremely attacking football, scoring 102 league goals last season; Rashford will get opportunities. Raphinha, who spent much of last season swooping in from the left, scored 18 goals. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Which does perhaps raise the issue of why Barcelona want Rashford. Theirs is not a squad short of attacking players: Dani Olmo, Ferran Torres, Víctor, Pablo Torre, Fermín López, Gavi and Ansu Fati started league games on the left last season, sometimes with Raphinha operating centrally. Fati has been loaned to Monaco and Torre has been sold to Mallorca, yet Barça still targeted a left-sided player this season, and considered Nico Williams and Luis Díaz before settling on Rashford as a (relatively) cut-price option seemingly undeterred by potential registration problems. Although there is a £26m option to buy, there is no obligation. If it works out, Barcelona get a quick and direct finisher and enhanced squad depth; if not, they can part ways at the end of the season, with nothing lost but a year of wages. For Rashford, meanwhile, there is real pressure. If this doesn't work, what is the future for him? Potential can be a terrible curse. It doesn't matter how good a young Premier League player looks, he is only ever a couple of disappointing seasons from being linked with the Turkish Super Lig or West Ham. When you promise as much as Rashford did in those few days in February 2016, even a very good career can end up suffering the taint of disappointment, however unfair that may be. For Rashford's career and his legacy, these next few months are vital.
Ammon
6 days ago
- Business
- Ammon
Rashford joins Barcelona on loan from Man United
Ammon News - England forward Marcus Rashford said Barcelona was a club where "dreams come true" as he joined the LaLiga champions on Wednesday on a season-long loan from Manchester United with an option to buy. Media reports said that Barcelona would cover Rashford's wages this season after the player accepted a pay cut, with the option to buy set at around 30 million euros ($35.25 million) for the 27-year-old. "Very excited. I think it's a club where people's dreams come true. They win big prizes. And what the club stands for really means a lot to me as well. So it feels like I am at home," Rashford told reporters following his unveiling. "Another factor is because the conversations I had with the manager (Hansi Flick) were positive. What he did last season was terrific. "To lead such a young team to a very successful season and come back to pre-season and still want to do more, it shows me everything I thought I knew about the club and it's everything I wished." Once seen as a club icon and homegrown star, Rashford had a dramatic fall from grace at United, marked by a falling out with manager Ruben Amorim that paved the way for him to move to Aston Villa on loan in February. "(Manchester United) is in a period of change and they have been for a while. I don't have anything bad to say as it has been an important part not just of my career but my life, so I was grateful for the opportunity," he added. "But like life not everything goes as simple as you thought and this is my next chapter and I'm fully focused on improving myself and helping the team win trophies." Barcelona said Rashford had signed his contract earlier in the afternoon. "Rashford can play anywhere in attack. Right footed, he can take players on and is an excellent finisher, talents he can now show in a Barca shirt," the club said in a statement. The move came after Manchester-born Rashford, who made 426 senior appearances and scored 138 goals for United in all competitions, fell out of favour with Amorim, who called his workrate into question. Rashford, who won two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League title with United, joined Aston Villa on loan after Amorim said he would rather put a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not giving their all. United issued a statement wishing Rashford well as they announced the deal with Barcelona. "Everyone at Manchester United wishes Marcus good luck for the season," the club said. The forward, who has scored 17 goals for England in 62 appearances, said he was feeling fitter and better after joining Villa, where he netted two goals in 10 league games, while United had their worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing 15th in the standings. Rashford said he had wanted to move to Barca during the mid-season transfer window when he joined Villa. "I was clear on my preference (to join Barcelona) from the beginning. Actually from maybe in January. It didn't work out in January so I went to Villa and enjoyed a good period there," he said. "It was time to make another decision. My choice was easy. (Barcelona) is a family club, something I'm used to from my past. It feels like home."
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- Sport
- TimesLIVE
‘It feels like home': Rashford joins Barcelona on loan from Man United
England forward Marcus Rashford said Barcelona was a club where 'dreams come true' as he joined the LaLiga champions on Wednesday on a season-long loan from Manchester United with an option to buy. Media reports said Barcelona would cover Rashford's wages this season after the player accepted a pay cut, with the option to buy set at around €30m (R620m) for the 27-year-old. 'Very excited. I think it's a club where people's dreams come true. They win big prizes. And what the club stands for really means a lot to me as well. So it feels like I am at home,' Rashford said after his unveiling. 'Another factor is because the conversations I had with the manager [Hansi Flick] were positive. What he did last season was terrific. 'To lead such a young team to a very successful season and come back to preseason and still want to do more, it shows me everything I thought I knew about the club and it's everything I wished.' 🗣️ "I don't have anything bad to say about Manchester United" Marcus Rashford responds to comments from Gary Lineker where he stated "Marcus isn't the problem, United is" 🔴 — Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) July 23, 2025 Once seen as a club icon and home-grown star, Rashford had a dramatic fall from grace at United, marked by a falling out with manager Ruben Amorim that paved the way for him to move to Aston Villa on loan in February. "[Manchester United] are in a period of change and they have been for a while. I don't have anything bad to say as it has been an important part not just of my career but my life, so I was grateful for the opportunity,' he said. 'But like in life not everything goes as simply as you thought and this is my next chapter and I'm fully focused on improving myself and helping the team win trophies.' Barcelona said Rashford had signed his contract earlier in the afternoon. 'Rashford can play anywhere in attack. Right footed, he can take players on and is an excellent finisher, talents he can now show in a Barca shirt,' the club said in a statement. The move came after Manchester-born Rashford, who made 426 senior appearances and scored 138 goals for United in all competitions, fell out of favour with Amorim, who called his work rate into question. 📞 "Yeah… It's official." Rashford follows in Lineker's footsteps. — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 23, 2025 Rashford, who won two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League title with United, joined Aston Villa on loan after Amorim said he would rather put a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not giving their all. United issued a statement wishing Rashford well as they announced the deal with Barcelona. 'Everyone at Manchester United wishes Marcus good luck for the season,' the club said. The forward, who has scored 17 goals for England in 62 appearances, said he was feeling fitter and better after joining Villa, where he netted two goals in 10 league games, while United had their worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing 15th in the standings. Rashford said he had wanted to move to Barca during the midseason transfer window when he joined Villa. 'I was clear on my preference [to join Barcelona] from the beginning. Actually from maybe in January. It didn't work out in January so I went to Villa and enjoyed a good period there,' he said. 'It was time to make another decision. My choice was easy. [Barcelona] is a family club, something I'm used to from my past. It feels like home.' Barcelona are set to play three preseason friendlies in Japan and South Korea starting on July 27. Liverpool, meanwhile, have signed French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt, the Premier League side announced on Wednesday, with media reports saying the deal was worth £69m (R1.64bn) plus add-ons. Ekitike is Liverpool's second-most expensive recruit in the close season after the Premier League champions signed Germany midfielder Florian Wirtz, who can also play as winger or forward, in June for a club record £100m plus add-ons. Former Paris St Germain player Ekitike had a breakout campaign in 2024-25, scoring 15 Bundesliga goals in 33 appearances. He also struck four times as Frankfurt reached the quarterfinals of the Europa League. Ekitike, who made his senior debut at Stade de Reims, joined PSG on loan in 2022, making 25 Ligue 1 appearances as they won the French top-flight. He went on loan to Frankfurt in 2023, before making the move permanent a year later.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Business
- The Hindu
Barcelona is a club where dreams come true: Here is what Rashford said after loan move from Man United
England forward Marcus Rashford said Barcelona was a club where 'dreams come true' as he joined the La Liga champion on Wednesday on a season-long loan from Manchester United with an option to buy. Media reports said that Barcelona would cover Rashford's wages this season after the player accepted a pay cut, with the option to buy set at around 30 million euros ($35.25 million) for the 27-year-old. 'Very excited. I think it's a club where people's dreams come true. They win big prizes. And what the club stands for really means a lot to me as well. So it feels like I am at home,' Rashford told reporters following his unveiling. 'Another factor is because the conversations I had with the manager (Hansi Flick) were positive. What he did last season was terrific. 'To lead such a young team to a very successful season and come back to pre-season and still want to do more, it shows me everything I thought I knew about the club and it's everything I wished.' Once seen as a club icon and homegrown star, Rashford had a dramatic fall from grace at United, marked by a falling out with manager Ruben Amorim that paved the way for him to move to Aston Villa on loan in February. ALSO READ: Liverpool signs forward Hugo Ekitike from Frankfurt '(Manchester United) is in a period of change, and they have been for a while. I don't have anything bad to say as it has been an important part not just of my career but my life, so I was grateful for the opportunity,' he added. 'But like life, not everything goes as simple as you thought, and this is my next chapter, and I'm fully focused on improving myself and helping the team win trophies.' Barcelona said Rashford had signed his contract earlier in the afternoon. 'Rashford can play anywhere in attack. Right-footed, he can take players on and is an excellent finisher, talents he can now show in a Barca shirt,' the club said in a statement. The move came after Manchester-born Rashford, who made 426 senior appearances and scored 138 goals for United in all competitions, fell out of favour with Amorim, who called his work rate into question. Rashford, who won two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League title with United, joined Aston Villa on loan after Amorim said he would rather put a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not giving their all. United issued a statement wishing Rashford well as it announced the deal with Barcelona. 'Everyone at Manchester United wishes Marcus good luck for the season,' the club said. The forward, who has scored 17 goals for England in 62 appearances, said he was feeling fitter and better after joining Villa, where he netted two goals in 10 league games, while United had its worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing 15th in the standings. Rashford said he had wanted to move to Barca during the mid-season transfer window when he joined Villa. 'I was clear on my preference (to join Barcelona) from the beginning. Actually, from maybe in January. It didn't work out in January, so I went to Villa and enjoyed a good period there,' he said. 'It was time to make another decision. My choice was easy. (Barcelona) is a family club, something I'm used to from my past. It feels like home.'
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First Post
6 days ago
- Sport
- First Post
Rashford refuses to speak ill of Man Utd after 'dreams come true' move to Barca: 'Don't have anything bad to say'
Marcus Rashford had an eventful unveiling event as he joined Barcelona on a season-long loan deal on Wednesday. The England striker praised Barcelona but refused to criticise Manchester United despite being pushed out of the club. read more Marcus Rashford was handed the No.14 Jersey which was once worn by Thierry Henry at Barcelona. Image: Reuters England striker Marcus Rashford refused to criticise his parent Manchester United despite a fallout with manager Rube Amorim and being pushed out by the English giants as he sealed a season-long loan move to La Liga club Barcelona on Wednesday. Rashford praised Barcelona as a club where 'dreams come true' after he was unveiled through a stylish ceremony. Media reports said that Barcelona, who have an option to buy, would cover Rashford's wages this season after the player accepted a pay cut, with the option to buy set at around 30 million euros ($35.25 million) for the 27-year-old. 'Very excited. I think it's a club where people's dreams come true. They win big prizes. And what the club stands for really means a lot to me as well. So it feels like I am at home,' Rashford told reporters following his unveiling. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'Another factor is because the conversations I had with the manager (Hansi Flick) were positive. What he did last season was terrific. 'To lead such a young team to a very successful season and come back to pre-season and still want to do more, it shows me everything I thought I knew about the club and it's everything I wished.' More from Football Rashford refuses to speak ill of Man Utd Once seen as a club icon and homegrown star, Rashford had a dramatic fall from grace at United, marked by a falling out with manager Ruben Amorim that paved the way for him to move to Aston Villa on loan in February. '(Manchester United) is in a period of change and they have been for a while. I don't have anything bad to say as it has been an important part not just of my career but my life, so I was grateful for the opportunity,' he added. 'But like life not everything goes as simple as you thought and this is my next chapter and I'm fully focused on improving myself and helping the team win trophies.' 🚨🗣 - Marcus Rashford: "I don't have anything bad to say about Manchester United. "It's been an important part of not just my career, but also my life." The interviewer tried to make him speak bad about United, but he didn't. ❤️ — UF (@UtdFaithfuls) July 23, 2025 Barcelona said Rashford had signed his contract earlier in the afternoon. 'Rashford can play anywhere in attack. Right footed, he can take players on and is an excellent finisher, talents he can now show in a Barca shirt,' the club said in a statement. The move came after Manchester-born Rashford, who made 426 senior appearances and scored 138 goals for United in all competitions, fell out of favour with Amorim, who called his workrate into question. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Rashford, who won two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Europa League title with United, joined Aston Villa on loan after Amorim said he would rather put a goalkeeper coach on the bench than a player not giving their all. United issued a statement wishing Rashford well as they announced the deal with Barcelona. 'Everyone at Manchester United wishes Marcus good luck for the season,' the club said. The forward, who has scored 17 goals for England in 62 appearances, said he was feeling fitter and better after joining Villa, where he netted two goals in 10 league games, while United had their worst-ever Premier League campaign, finishing 15th in the standings. Rashford wanted to Join Barcelona in January Rashford said he had wanted to move to Barca during the mid-season transfer window when he joined Villa. 'I was clear on my preference (to join Barcelona) from the beginning. Actually from maybe in January. It didn't work out in January so I went to Villa and enjoyed a good period there,' he said. 'It was time to make another decision. My choice was easy. (Barcelona) is a family club, something I'm used to from my past. It feels like home.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Barcelona are set to play three pre-season friendlies in Japan and South Korea starting on July 27. With agency inputs
