Rashford Revives His Career at Barcelona: ¿Success Assured?

Rashford’s Rebirth in Barcelona: A New Chapter in His Career

The Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, has closely followed Marcus Rashford’s career since his beginnings at Manchester United. When the opportunity arose to sign the English striker on loan this summer, Flick’s message to the sporting director, Deco, was clear: “We have to do it. Marcus is an exceptional player, exactly what we needed.” The initial plan was to integrate Rashford gradually, allowing him to adapt to life in a new country and learn the mechanisms that the Barça coach wanted to implement. However, a series of injuries in attacking positions catapulted him to an important role for the Spanish champions. In the eleven matches played in all competitions, Rashford is one of the four players who have participated in each match, along with Pedri, Eric García and Jules Koundé. With three goals and four assists, he leads Barça in goal contributions, preparing for the most important week of the season so far. On Tuesday, Barça hosts Olympiacos in the UEFA Champions League, needing to win to recover from the defeat against Paris Saint-Germain. Rashford will have his first experience in El Clásico when Barça visits Real Madrid next Sunday, two points behind the LaLiga leaders. The signing of Rashford by Barcelona dates back to conversations initiated a year ago between the club and his agent, Dwaine Maynard, the player’s brother. Although a deal was considered in January, finances did not allow it. Rashford finally joined Aston Villa on loan after being sidelined by United’s new coach, Ruben Amorim. The interest of Barça persisted, but other options arose in the summer. Deco was interested in signing Luis Díaz, who ultimately joined Bayern Munich, while Nico Williams was also a target before renewing his contract with Athletic Club. Two key reasons drove Barça to focus on Rashford again. Firstly, despite his high salary, he was the most financially viable option. Secondly, Flick strongly pushed for the club to finalize the deal. Spanish agents Arturo Canales and Fernando Solanas acted as intermediaries, and a law firm, which curiously works for Manchester City, helped to finalize the details of the agreements.

Rashford, eager for the change, impressed the club with his desire to play for Barça. Sources close to the club acknowledge that the transfer to Barça, after his ups and downs at United, could be seen as undeserved by some, but they affirm that it would have been less stressful and more profitable for him to seek other opportunities. The player saw an interview with xBuyer as a request to be signed, expressing his desire to play for Barça and praising Lamine Yamal. Finally, with Flick wanting to close the deal in the preseason, Canales and Solanas collaborating and United accepting a loan with a purchase option of 30 million euros, Rashford became the first Englishman since Gary Lineker to sign for the Barca men’s first team.

Rashford: Adaptation and Expectations at Barcelona

Rashford is enjoying his first months in Spain. He resides in an urbanization in the mountains, north of Castelldefels. Ten minutes from the beach, he has been seen playing paddle tennis and fishing. His happiness resides in the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper. His teammates were surprised by his humility, but he quickly found his place in the locker room. He is learning Spanish, although it is not as essential as it was a decade ago, as there are many English speakers in the team, including Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong and Andreas Christensen. Flick and his coaching staff, mostly German, give instructions in English. Rashford, who turns 28 next week, is associated with veterans like Lewandowski and Szczesny, and also adapts to the youngsters led by Yamal, learning the local slang.

Defender Ronald Araújo praised Rashford, highlighting his happiness and quick adaptation to the team. “He has quality, skill, he’s fast, explosive… he brings us a lot. We are happy that he is here with us,” he said. Injuries have accelerated the display of his attributes. Rashford has been the only forward to participate in all eleven of Barca’s matches this season, playing mainly on the left, although he has also played in the center.

Although initially expected to be a substitute, he has been the only forward always present in the 11 matches of Barça this season. Flick wants Rashford to be direct and face the players. The Englishman averages 5.97 dribbles per game, a figure that the coach wants to increase.

His best night was in Newcastle, with two spectacular goals in the 2-1 victory in the Champions League. Although he could score more, Barça seeks to improve in this aspect. He has been in charge of taking more corners than any other Barça player this season and has created eight chances from set pieces.

Hansi Flick believes that the match against Newcastle was the “first step” and hopes it evolves off the ball. Rashford has shown improvements in this aspect, with an increase in sprints per match and greater high-speed distance coverage. However, he is still behind Raphinha in terms of pressure intensity, which is essential for Barça’s game. Raphinha’s numbers are much higher, but the data paints a picture of a team still seeking its best level. The constant injuries have made it difficult to fully assess Rashford in the team, although the signs are promising.

“I think it’s been good, it’s been fluid. Surely we will improve in the future. I’m looking forward to it. My focus is on the field, on fitting in well with the team and on improving my individual performance. We have to show [intensity] and keep showing the coach that we are a team that wants to win and be successful. I want to win as much as possible, hopefully lift trophies with this club and add to the history they already have”.

Marcus Rashford

Rashford’s future at Barça will not be decided against Olympiacos or Madrid, but throughout the season. It will depend on his performance in the spring, when Barça hopes to compete for all the important titles. The decision on Rashford will not be easy, as it will depend on many factors, including the club’s presidential elections. Internal club sources consider that the 30 million euros needed to sign Rashford are a “bargain”. The reality will depend on performance, finances, choices and other factors. If Barça doesn’t sign him, they won’t have to pay any penalty to United. Deco confirmed that there is a purchase option, but that it is too early to make decisions.