The 28-year-old moved to Barcelona last summer on a season-long loan, having been exiled from the United squad by former manager Amorim. The ex-Sporting CP boss, who was dismissed in January following a calamitous spell at Old Trafford, included Rashford in his plans for United’s final fixture of the year.
Whilst it marked the attacker’s first selection in five matchday squads, the Portuguese tactician was frank about the fact that Rashford’s presence was purely because of the extensive injury list.
« We have a lot of players [out] so he’s in, » the then-United head coach said at the time. « Like I’ve said, every week I choose my players and he was there to be chosen. This time, he is here. »
Despite being omitted from the side for allegedly substandard performances in training, Rashford was surprisingly included amongst the substitutes to face Eddie Howe’s team.
Yet the decision not to grant him any playing time during the fixture revealed much about the player’s concerning predicament at Old Trafford, as he remained unused throughout the contest.
Shortly afterwards, with playing time remaining scarce, Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan until summer 2025, before making the switch to Spain. The England striker has excelled during his Spanish stint, recording 10 goals and 13 assists across 37 matches in all competitions this term.
He is now gearing up to take on Newcastle at St James’ Park in the Champions League last-16. Tuesday night’s clash will mark the third occasion this campaign that Rashford has played on English soil since his summer transfer to Barcelona.
He bagged a double as Barcelona defeated Newcastle during the competition’s league phase back in September. Barcelona also travelled to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in November, with the London side emerging 3-0 victors.
The Catalan club hold a £26million clause to secure Rashford’s signature this summer, and it appears increasingly likely that they will make his transfer permanent.
In October, Rashford expressed his desire to remain in Spain long-term. « [I want to stay for] as many [seasons] as possible. We will see, » he told TNT Sports.
« I have to focus on trying to do my job and trying to help the team in whichever way I can. »
Speaking to ESPN during the same month about his future, he added: « 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 is an honour. The main focus is to win football matches, this is why I joined this club, and it’s what the club demands. »
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