Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd dream in Barcelona confession says it all about exit

Marcus Rashford left Manchester United in the summer to join Barcelona on loan for the season but if he’d had it his way, he would never have left his boyhood club

The departure of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United has been felt deeply, especially after the Barcelona president disclosed that the winger had hoped to retire at Old Trafford. Rashford, an England international and product of United’s youth system, left his childhood club this summer for a second consecutive transfer window, joining Barcelona on loan until the end of the season.

The 27-year-old last donned the Red Devils’ shirt in December 2024 before being dropped from the squad for the Manchester derby later that month, leading to his exclusion from the first team.

A brief stint at Aston Villa followed, where he showed glimpses of his old form. However, despite returning to Manchester in the summer, manager Amorim remained firm in his decision not to include him in future plans.

In July, the chance to join Barcelona presented itself, with president Joan Laporta expressing his delight at securing Rashford’s signature. “We are very happy because a player of great quality is coming, at a great age to come to Barca with extraordinary motivation,” Laporta said, as reported by Goal.com.

While praising Rashford’s talent, Laporta revealed that the new recruit had dreamt of spending his entire career at United. He added: “Personally, I’ve seen how excited he is to come to Barca. One of his virtues is that he is sincere.

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“His dream was to play for Manchester United for the rest of his life. He arrived at the age of seven and was born there. He wanted to be a ‘one-club man’. It’s nice for a player to say this with all sincerity.”

Rashford’s choice to depart United was undoubtedly devastating for him, but he recognised it was absolutely crucial to revive his career at the highest level.

Whilst he went on to feature in 426 matches for the Red Devils, netting 138 times and providing 60 assists, it remained uncertain whether he’d ever turn out for the club again under Amorim’s leadership.

The Portuguese manager may have been resolute in his view that Rashford wasn’t a player who would propel his team forward, but it could prove a choice he comes to rue, particularly following his European exploits. Rashford found the net twice in Barcelona’s 2-1 triumph over Newcastle on Thursday.

His opening strike, which got him off the mark for the La Liga giants, came via a header in the 58th minute before he unleashed a thunderous effort from distance beyond Nick Pope to extend his team’s advantage at St James’ Park.

Anthony Gordon netted late on, but it proved merely a consolation with Rashford’s double representing his first goals in Europe’s elite tournament since October 2021. It was back in 2020 when the England international confessed his desire to only ever play for Man United. “For me, I never look beyond Manchester United,” the then-23 year-old Rashford said.

“As a kid, I’ve never looked beyond Manchester United. In my mind, it wouldn’t sit right for me to be pulling on another shirt. I just want to do the best I can for the club whilst I’m here, so hopefully I’m here for the long-term.”

Following the triumph against Newcastle, Rashford appeared to rule out any prospect of a United return, declaring: “I want to stay as long as possible at Barcelona.

“I have to focus on doing my job, helping the team in any way I can. I can feel the confidence that Flick has given me. I knew he was great before I signed, but working with him is a real pleasure.”

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