The Manchester United loanee, thriving in Spain, declares he has “no plans to return” to Old Trafford ahead of a Clásico clash defined by injury crises.
In a clear message that will reverberate from Barcelona to Manchester, on-loan forward Marcus Rashford has publicly stated his desire to make his move to FC Barcelona permanent, effectively closing the door on his long-term future with Manchester United.
The 27-year-old Englishman, who joined the Catalan giants on a season-long loan this summer, has found a new lease on life, scoring five goals in twelve appearances, including a midweek double in the Champions League against Olympiacos.
When asked by ESPN if he wanted to stay at Barcelona beyond this season, Rashford was unequivocal. “Oh yeah, for sure,” he said. “I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player, it’s an honour.”
Rashford, whose contract with United runs until 2028, explained that after spending 23 years of his life with the Manchester club, a change was necessary. “Sometimes you just need a change,” he added. “I think maybe this is the case with me and I’m enjoying everything.”
His declaration comes on the eve of one of football’s most intense rivalries, El Clásico, as Barcelona prepares to face Real Madrid this weekend. The blockbuster match arrives with both clubs grappling with a staggering number of injuries that have severely tested their squads.
Barcelona, the reigning LaLiga and Copa del Rey champions, travel to the Spanish capital under manager Hansi Flick, but their form has been concerning. They needed a last-gasp goal from defender Ronald Araújo to secure a win against Girona and were struggling against Olympiacos until a controversial red card shifted the game in their favor. The club’s injury list is alarming, with ten players currently sidelined, including key figures like Robert Lewandowski and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. Flick himself will be banned from the touchline.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, sit top of the league, two points ahead of their rivals. Under new manager Alonso, the team has shown resilience but also vulnerability, with tactical experiments leading to some high-profile losses. Their own treatment room is crowded, though there is hope that key defender Dean Huijsen could be fit for the monumental clash.
Against this backdrop of tension and uncertainty, Rashford’s words have carved out a clear personal storyline. Having rediscovered his scoring touch and his joy for the game in Spain, the forward has made his choice, leaving little doubt about where he believes his future lies.
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