Barcelona will sign Marcus Rashford on a loan-to-buy deal, allowing him to leave Manchester United. Manager Hansi Flick has approved the move, which meets Barcelona’s financial and tactical needs.
Why is Barcelona signing Marcus Rashford now?
After facing setbacks under new management and losing his No. 10 shirt, Rashford has eagerly embraced the chance to tackle a fresh challenge.
Despite scoring four goals during his loan stint at Aston Villa in the second half of the previous season, the 27-year-old England star was not signed by the team.
In preseason, he is one of five United players who must train at Carrington apart from the rest of the first team. Matheus Cunha, a new £62.5 million acquisition, has taken his No. 10 shirt, as per a report by the Daily Mail.ALSO READ: ESPN anchors go too far – shocking on-air stunt on Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot sparks outrage Barcelona has been the front-runner to sign Rashford following discussions with his agent and older brother, Dwaine Maynard. After United approved the move, the forward is now expected to join the Catalans on loan with a buyout option, according to The Athletic.
Since Rashford fits Barcelona’s style of play and makes financial sense, manager Hansi Flick has spoken with him and approved the transfer.
How did Rashford fall out of favor at United?
Marcus Rashford’s initial loan agreement would relieve some of the financial strain on La Liga, who are still struggling financially.
He is a desirable alternative for Barcelona, who have been looking for a flexible forward who can play through the middle and out wide.
Enhancing the left flank has been a top objective because the team felt vulnerable in that position in the latter part of the previous campaign.
Nico Williams chose to sign a new, long-term contract with Athletic Club, despite Flick’s team seemingly coming close to signing him earlier this summer.
Rashford has three years left on his Old Trafford contract, which pays £300,000 a week. He was first benched by Ruben Amorim for the December Manchester derby, which United won 2-1. The forward didn’t play again until joining Villa on deadline day.
What has Rashford said about leaving?
Despite his recent struggles, Rashford has remained respectful and emotionally tied to United. In a candid interview with The Times’ Henry Winter, he hinted at a fresh start, saying, “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”
He added that when he does leave the club, it won’t be with bitterness, “If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.”
When asked whether he’d always be a Red at heart, his answer was emphatic, “Yes! 100 percent. 100 percent.”
Marcus Rashford has been at United since the age of seven and made his senior debut in 2016. He’s scored vital goals and become a fan favorite along the way. But like many great stories, this one may now be heading for a bittersweet but necessary ending.
FAQs
Is Marcus Rashford actually leaving Manchester United?
Yes, he is expected to join Barcelona on a loan with the option to buy, as approved by manager Hansi Flick.
Why did Rashford fall out of favor at United?
He was benched by managers Amorim and Flick, stripped of his shirt number, and forced to train separately from the first team.
