Marcus Rashford leaves Roy Keane red-faced as Man Utd learn of transfer U-turn

Marcus Rashford has enjoyed a fine start to life at Barcelona after securing a season-long loan move from Manchester United, and Roy Keane may be left to eat his words about the move

Roy Keane could be eating his words after doubts about Marcus Rashford’s prospects at Barcelona. The England forward found himself frozen out by Ruben Amorim shortly after the Portuguese boss took up tenure at Old Trafford last November, ending up on loan at Aston Villa for the final months of last season.

With Rashford still surplus to requirements when he returned from the Midlands, the 27-year-old was desperate to engineer another exit from United, either permanently or on a temporary basis. The winger got his wish when he sealed a season-long switch to Barcelona this summer, hoping to flourish in La Liga under Hansi Flick’s guidance.

But former United captain Keane harboured serious reservations about his chances of succeeding at the Nou Camp. Discussing the summer transfer dealings on the Stick to Football podcast back in August, Gary Neville said: “Last one is Marcus Rashford to Barcelona.

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“I know it’s not a big signing in terms of the Premier League but it’s an amazing move for him. I mean, I hope he does well.

“I think that him leaving is a poor reflection upon the club, but also him in terms of how it’s gone in the last few years. But I just hope he can get his career back on track. What a move.”

However, Keane shared doubts about Rashford’s footballing IQ at the time, responding: “Do you reckon he’s got enough football intelligence to go over there and adapt to a different league, different football, different lifestyle? Has he got that intelligence on and off the pitch to to make it work?

“He’s obviously a talented boy. We know his strengths and that is running in behind. He kind of stopped doing that a little bit.”

Neville then suggested that Rashford could flourish with Barca due to the club’s tendency to control possession. He added: “Well I think Roy, you’re in Barcelona. It’s maybe because I’m thinking of Barcelona 10 years ago.

“I know it’s slightly different now but they dominate a lot of games whereby they are high up the pitch and you’ve got teams behind the ball and you think Marcus is better when he’s playing in a counterattacking system. So when you’re playing in tight areas.”

However, Keane then cut across his former teammate by adding: “That’s why I think there are question marks, a little bit,” as he remained sceptical about Rashford’s compatibility with the club. It comes as Keane might be feeling somewhat embarrassed about his previous remarks, following Rashford’s brilliant beginning with his new team – who are reportedly considering the prospect of making the transfer permanent without triggering United’s £26.2million clause built into his contract.

Reports suggest that the Catalan giants are keen to negotiate a lower fee as the season unfolds, or even secure a second consecutive loan spell for 2026/27. However, it’s unclear whether United would be open to further negotiations or another temporary departure from Old Trafford.

Since his transfer, Rashford has scored three times and provided five assists across all competitions. The club currently holds the second spot in the La Liga table as they head into a two-week international break. Rashford will be eager to continue his good form when Barcelona resume their campaign against Girona on Saturday, October 18.

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