Former England International Gary Lineker has backed Marcus Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona, stating the player could benefit away from the spotlight.
Rashford has been side-lined from manager Ruben Amorim’s team ahead of the new season despite his strong showing while on loan at Aston Villa last season. The 27-year-old made 12 goal contributions in his 17 appearances for the Villains.
According to reports, the England international earns around £315,000-per-week at Manchester United, and that has hindered a lot of suitors from snapping him up, but he is now set to don the colours of the Catalan side.
Barcelona are expected to foot his salary, while also getting the chance to sign him on a permanent deal for £40million at the end of the season. Rashford’s arrival should be able to create a surge in Barcelona tickets for the 2025/26 season.
Rashford however won’t be able to wear Barca’s iconic number 10 shirt worn by Messi, the honour will go to exciting talent Lamine Yamal. Rashford instead has chosen the number 14 shirt adorned by Thierry Henry.
Pundit backs Rashford to excel at Barcelona
Former Barcelona forward Gary Lineker is confident that the Manchester United outcast will thrive in Spain.
Although Rashford may not immediately secure a starting spot under Hansi Flick, Gary Lineker, the last English player to don Barcelona colours, believes the forward could reignite his career in Catalunya.
“He seems to be in the right frame of mind and this is such a great challenge for him,” he told Sky Sports’ Football Museum podcast.
“Yes, they’ve got brilliant players and it will be tough to play regularly, but there are so many games that they play now. They’ve got a front three of Raphinha, (Robert) Lewandowski, and (Lamine) Yamal, but you can’t play three players every game, in and out.
“Lewandowski is past his best really now, it’s remarkable what he’s still achieving at his age. I think it’s a good signing for Barcelona. Marcus at his best is unbelievable.
“Let’s look at what has happened to the players that have left Manchester United recently. The players that you thought, “ah, they’re really struggling. They’ve done unbelievably well. Unbelievably well everywhere.
“Something at Manchester United right now is a little bit rotten and the players that have got away from that have generally succeeded, so I suspect Marcus, who we saw was terrific at Villa, can do the same thing at Barcelona,” Lineker concluded.
Some months ago, Rashford answered a question on xBuyer whether he would like to play with Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal.
“Yeah, sure,” Rashford said. Everybody in the world wants to play with the best. So hopefully, we’ll see. He [Yamal] is playing at the highest level, I don’t think we’ve seen it,” Rashford said.
“To have his mentality is a skill. He’s not normal to be doing what he does and will keep improving.”
“For me as I’ve got older, the number nine position is becoming more comfortable, more natural,” Rashford said about him playing down the middle in attack. Things like playing with back to goal is becoming easier for me, you’re always in front of the goal and always dangerous,” Rashford added.
Rashford also said the following about Spain as a country: “Spain is nice, it’s not too far from home. If I’m training over a long period, my family can come for a few days, it’s a nice location and good weather.”
Rashford has been working separately from the main Manchester United squad during pre-season at Carrington following a dispute with head coach Ruben Amorim.
He is among five players reportedly isolated from the group, alongside Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia, forming what has been dubbed United’s ‘bomb squad’.
“Coming to Barça is all that I dreamt”
Barcelona and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the loan of the player Marcus Rashford until 30 June 2026. The agreement also establishes an option to buy the English forward.
“Barça is a place where dreams come true,” Rashford said after his move was confirmed. Here good players can enjoy the game and I really love football.”
“I am looking forward to helping and I want to win trophies. One of the reasons I came is that motivation and the ambition to be a better player.”
The former Manchester United man also had special mention for Hansi Flick. “The work he did last season was sensational. He has been really important in the whole process,” said Rashford before reacting to the warm welcome he has been shown since arriving. “I am really grateful for the welcome that the fans have given me and I can’t wait to make my debut in the jersey,” the 27-year-old concluded.
Manchester United’s activity in the summer transfer window so far
Manchester United’s business has been a bit slow this summer, but they have managed to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves after they activated his £62.5m release clause in his Wolves contract.
Matheus Cunha, speaking at his unveiling, said: “It is hard to put into words my feelings about becoming a Manchester United player. Ever since I was a child in Brazil watching Premier League games on TV at my grandmother’s house, United was my favourite English team, and I dreamed of wearing the red shirt. I want to thank my family and everyone who has helped me make that dream a reality.
“I can’t wait for the start of pre-season to get to know my team-mates and prepare for the season ahead. All my focus is now on working hard to become a valuable part of the team, and helping get this club back to the top.”
Apart from Cunha, United eventually beat Tottenham to the signing of Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford to fill the gap left by Rashford.
Bryan Mbeumo said: “As soon as I knew there was a chance to join Manchester United, I had to take the opportunity to sign for the club of my dreams; the team whose shirt I wore growing up.
“My mentality is to always be better than I was yesterday. I know that I have the spirit and character to reach another level here, learning from Ruben Amorim and playing alongside world-class players.
“Everybody told me about the environment that is being created here and how exciting the plans are for the future. This is a massive club, with an incredible stadium and amazing fans, we are all really determined to challenge for the biggest trophies.”
Mbeumo, 25, scored 20 Premier League goals in the 2024/25 season, the fourth highest in the league, and contributed a further eight assists.
Manchester United still have their eye on Benjamin Sesko, the 22 year old Slovenian striker has 27 goals in 64 games for RB Leipzig and would be seen as an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund.
