Marcus Rashford scored the first goal of Ruben Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United, in the 1-1 draw against Ipswich Town in November last year.
Two months later, he was loaned out to Aston Villa after a fallout with the Portuguese head coach.
The Englishman enjoyed a mini-resurgence during the second half of the season with the Villans, scoring four goals and setting up six more from 17 games in all competitions. He also won back his place with the England national team.
It wasn’t enough to convince Amorim of a return, however, and the player subsequently left the Theatre of Dreams this summer to join Barcelona on a season-long loan. The Catalans have an option to sign him permanently next summer for around €30m.
United have signed Rashford’s replacement
United invested heavily in their attack this summer, signing Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
While Cunha and Mbeumo have already been impressive so far, Sesko is still finding his feet at Old Trafford. Of the trio, only the Cameroonian has found the back of the net this season, registering two goals in five games.
Rashford, meanwhile, has done quite well with the Catalans so far. He picked up an assist in the 6-0 win over Valencia last weekend, which was his fourth game with the LaLiga champions.
The 27 year old then gave United fans a reminder of his qualities in the Champions League game against Newcastle United at St. James’ Park last night.
Rashford blew Newcastle away
Rashford turned out to be Barcelona’s saviour in Lamine Yamal’s absence, scoring a brace to power his team to a 2-1 win.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the game, Rashford said: “It’s going good. Obviously learning a lot, it’s a new way of football. I’m enjoying it all and I think it’s making me a better player. That’s what I’m here to do, help the team win but also try and improve and be the best I can.
“Honestly it’s an amazing experience, I’ve always been a huge admirer of Barcelona. Most people my age have watched them play from when we were younger, so it’s amazing football, amazing players and we just want to win as much as possible.”
INEOS will be pleased with Rashford’s performances as well, as his efforts could convince the Catalans to exercise the purchase option in the deal.
Feature image Clive Mason via Getty Images
Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
Deepungsu Pandit
Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.
