Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan this summer after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford
Marcus Rashford is settling into life at Barcelona after completing his loan move to the Catalan giants from Manchester United this summer.
The La Liga champions will be covering Rashford’s salary during his time at Camp Nou, a move that is projected to save United approximately £12million. Barcelona also hold the option to make his transfer to Catalonia a permanent one for £26m.
United postponed Rashford’s return to Carrington for pre-season training last month and removed him from his iconic No. 10 shirt. However, he has now secured his dream move to Barcelona after spending the latter part of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa.
Below is a round-up of what those connected with Barcelona have said about Rashford’s move to the Camp Nou so far.
‘Very talented’
Striker Robert Lewandowski become the first Barcelona player to publicly express his feelings about Rashford’s move to the club.
“Rashford is a very talented player,” he said via TNT Sports ahead of the club’s pre-season tour of Asia.
“We played Manchester United two years ago and he was in great form. He can help us and is able to play in different positions.”
‘I’m happy’
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick felt that Rashford did what every other player did by putting in a solid shift against FC Seoul in the club’s recent pre-season friendly, as the United loanee bagged his first assist for his new club.
“Each player had 45 minutes,” he said, via the Metro. “In the end, I’m happy.
“We had a good start in the first half and then we were a little sluggish, but we returned to a great level. In the second half, too, with Gavi, Ferran, Marcus… also Gerard Martin in a position that isn’t his usual one.”
It follows on from the Barcelona coach explaining why Rashford only played 33 minutes on his debut against Vissel Kobe. Speaking after the game, he said: “We’re being very careful with Marcus because he just came from an injury and he hasn’t started training completely with the ball.”
‘A bit introverted’
Jules Kounde has already noticed that Rashford is slightly more reserved than other players in the dressing room.
“He’s a bit introverted, but he’s really enjoying himself, and feeling more and more comfortable,” Kounde said of Rashford to Diario Sport. “I think he is happy. He is smiling a lot. He is happy in the field.
“He reminds me a little of myself. He’s a bit introverted, but he’s enjoying himself a lot, and I think he’s feeling more and more comfortable. Everyone has welcomed him very warmly. He’s talking to everyone.
“I think he’s very comfortable. As I speak English, I’m trying to help him as best I can, but I think everyone is doing that.”
‘Impressive’
Barcelona midfielder Gavi was quizzed about the club’s failed pursuit of Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, but decided to focus on how happy he is at Rashford’s arrival.
Asked by AS, he said: “Everyone knows Nico is a very good player. He’s always proven that with the national team. I’m happy with Marcus’s arrival because he’s an impressive player. We’re very happy with his signing.”
‘Unlikely to start’
Barcelona legend Rivaldo has insisted that Rashford is unlikely to start ahead of Raphinha, who scored a staggering 34 goals under Hansi Flick last term.
“I think that’s highly unlikely that Rashford will take Raphinha’s spot, especially after the season Raphinha had last year. In my view, Raphinha is currently among the top five players in the world,” he told Betfair.
“Right now, he’s an undisputed starter at Barça and already a club icon. Everyone, the players, the coaching staff, the whole club rates him very highly.
“What he did last season was outstanding, so without a doubt, that position is his. Of course, it’s always good to have top-quality players around you. So yes, there will be competition, but I don’t think Rashford is going to take Raphinha’s place.
“Other opportunities will arise, and with training, the manager will likely find a way to fit them both into the team. But for me, Raphinha is a nailed-on starter. I don’t see any chance of him being dropped from Barça’s starting line-up.”
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