Marcus Rashford is a footballer that the big clubs have always kept a close eye on. Since 2016, when he burst onto the scene with a double in the Europa League against Midtjylland, led by Louis Van Gaal. Three days later, he repeated the goal-scoring record and assisted a teammate in Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Arsenal. His start in the elite was dazzling, and it seemed that he would become the star of a club that was looking for a new leader. However, over the years, the 27-year-old striker's career has lost its shine, so he has announced that he is ready for "a new challenge."
FC Barcelona has also been among those interested in signing the British striker, although for various reasons it has not been possible. Manchester United's high expectations have never given any team a break from signing their player. However, according to the English newspaper Daily Mail, the 'red devils' now value their number 10 at 45 million. This could open up the possibility of him joining Barça, who are looking to strengthen the left wing and the attacking point, areas in which the Mancunian knows how to handle himself.
Talent and irregularity in equal proportions
He is a very fast footballer, he has been able to exceed 35 km/h on numerous occasions, with a great ability to dribble, associative and with very good definition. In addition, he can cover the left wing, his main position, where he has played 220 games, scored 69 goals and provided 36 assists; as well as being the main offensive reference, a position he has occupied in 152 games, in which he has managed to score 59 goals and provide 20 assists.
However, just by looking at his figures in recent seasons, it can be seen that Rashford's main weakness is his inconsistency. In the 22/23 season, he scored 30 goals and provided 9 assists in 56 games, while in the following season, his figures are 8 goals and 5 assists. It is true that his club has been unstable for years, as it has been in constant reconstruction for a decade. Even so, the Briton is a player who can be the reference during one season and the next barely pulls the cart. This lack of consistency has saturated many British fans, who ask for his departure.
In addition to his instability, his nights out and scandals, such as being caught driving at 170 km/h, do not help his image. He is a player with the necessary qualities to become a star, but he is lacking the ability to channel and exploit them to the maximum to be able to establish himself in the highest elite. Perhaps he is right and, as he has said, he is "ready for a new challenge."
A new Aubameyang case?
When mentioning these aspects of the Manchester United striker, it is easy to recall the arrival of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. A footballer who arrived with the label of an undisciplined star, who earned a lot of money in the Premier League and who signed for Barça as a free agent after terminating his contract, among other things, due to problems with his coach. However, in the six months that he wore the Barça jersey, the Gabonese gave a luxury performance and was the perfect striker for Xavi Hernández's first season as Barça coach.
If Rashford were to arrive at FC Barcelona, the description would be very similar. The Englishman's name is very interesting, as he covers two attacking positions that the club wants to reinforce, and has characteristics that are hardly seen in the current squad. However, in addition to paying the amount that the British team asks for its striker, the Blaugrana team would have to reach an economic agreement with the player, who earns around 18 million euros per season, so it seems a very complicated option.