Marcus Rashford: One player who could scupper star’s Barcelona dream

Manchester United sent Marcus Rashford out on loan last winter to Aston Villa after he fell out with the then head coach, Ruben Amorim.

Life at Barcelona

Rashford was then sent out on loan this summer to FC Barcelona in Spain.

The England international has so far made a very positive contribution, as he is currently on a combined 23 goals and assists for the season. These numbers also come in the context that he often starts games from the bench as a rotation piece for Raphinha or Lamine Yamal.

With the sacking of Ruben Amorim, there have been some rumours that Manchester United would make a move to bring Rashford back to Old Trafford after his current loan ends.

Nonetheless, both Barcelona and Rashford seem keen to continue their relationship beyond the summer of 2026.

A recent report may put a spanner in the works, though, for the United academy graduate.

Jan Virgili

Footmercato report that Virgili, who came through the Barcelona academy but was sold last summer, “is one of the few bright spots” for RCD Mallorca in La Liga this season.

The 19-year-old left winger is said to have impressed the Barcelona hierarchy since leaving the club.

He has been described as an “excellent dribbler, who displays a disconcerting ability to make a difference in the final third”.

This can be seen in his six La Liga assists in 17 matches for the island club.

Barcelona are said to have been taken aback by the youngster’s rapid progress in first division football, and this now complicates a move for Rashford.

The report explains, “for the moment, the club’s objective is indeed to exercise the €30 million purchase option for the Englishman, even if it doesn’t have unanimous support within the club. It’s also known that a return for Virgili could be a more attractive option than keeping the player who still belongs to Manchester United.”

The Spanish youth international “would be cheaper, earn a lower salary, be nine years younger than Rashford, and have the La Masia academy label.”

These are all factors which are forcing Barcelona to reflect and perhaps scupper Rashford’s Camp Nou dream.