Why Barcelona should sign out-of-favour Marcus Rashford this summer

After a long, drawn-out and unsuccessful saga to sign Athletic Club's rapid winger, Nico Williams, Barcelona have turned their attentions to out-of-favour Manchester United ace, Marcus Rashford.

The England international appeared to have lost his way at the Theatre of Dreams, firstly under Erik ten Hag and then subsequently Ruben Amorim.

No way back for Rashford at United

So incensed has the Portuguese seemed by the 27-year-old's lack of commitment that he has made it crystal clear that the player doesn't have a future at the club.

As a result, Rashford appeared to make a 'come and get me' plea to the Catalan giants by suggesting that he'd love to play for Barcelona, but professing your love for a club doesn't automatically guarantee that they will come calling.

Fortunately, it seems his prayers have been answered with both clubs arriving at an accord.

A one-year loan with an option to buy suits all parties, and in a World Cup year it gives the player an ideal opportunity to rediscover his form.

30 goals in 2022/23 for the 27-year-old

In 2022/23, he hit 30 goals in all competitions, which included 17 in the Premier League, so the drop-off during the following season was remarkable.

Eight goals in total (seven in the EPL, one in the FA Cup) was a paltry return, though it was his body language and lack of confidence that appeared just as much of a worry.

Marcus Rashford's radar graphic for the 2022/23 Premier League seasonOpta by StatsPerform

It perhaps shouldn't be forgotten that he wasn't the only player suffering under Ten Hag in that season, given that before Amorim took over, the Dutchman had been overseeing one of the worst seasons of United in the Premier League era.

That can't all be pinned on Rashford either. In actual fact, he remained the top scorer for the club over the two seasons spanning 22/23 and 2023/24.

Only captain, Bruno Fernandes, came close to the England man's goal output, with every other player at least 15 goals behind.

A weight lifted at Villa

Barcelona fans may be asking why Rashford, of course, and it's a legitimate question.

Instead of basing their opinion on two disastrous seasons at one of the most storied clubs in the world, supporters of the LaLiga outfit might be better served by viewing the winger's highlights reel for Aston Villa.

It was as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Four goals and six assists in his 17 appearances for the club were a decent return, and in a team such as Barcelona, who thrive on having their wingers getting in behind the opposition defence at pace, Rashford should flourish.

It's clear that he's been working on his physique and fitness too, and that could well be to his advantage as he prepares to sign his contract and join the club's pre-season tour.

A massive point to prove to himself and others

Though not quite the last chance saloon for him, Rashford does have a massive point to prove to himself and many others.

A refuge at Barcelona may be just what he needs, and with the carrot of a place in another England World Cup squad surely up for grabs, it is an opportune time for him.

For his new club, the deal is a no-brainer. Still cash-strapped thanks to the incredible largesse of the previous administration, a loan plus option rather than mandatory purchase essentially gives Barca the chance to either sign Rashford permanently in a year's time or send him back from whence he came.

What happens next, therefore, is completely down to the player himself.

Passing isn't as bad as the stats suggest

He'll almost certainly need to improve on his recent pass completion stats. 82.1% at Aston Villa was acceptable if not fantastic, whilst a mid-70s showing at United undoubtedly contributed to the narrative surrounding him at the time.

However, Lamine Yamal's 78.9% and Raphinha's 79.7% aren't off-the-charts good either. Where they both excel is in their dynamism and skillset, with the former something that Rashford was once renowned for at United.

Marcus Rashford Passes for Man United 2024/25Opta by StatsPerform

Better standards all round are likely to be expected from Hansi Flick if the club are going to be considered as real contenders for the big prizes in 2025/26.

The German saw his side win the league and cup double last season. But for an epic two-legged semi-final loss over Inter, Barca would've had the chance to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, as well.

Superb shot accuracy and conversion rate

Comparing and contrasting that with the enveloping gloom at Old Trafford is like being at polar opposite sides of an argument. No wonder the Red Devils couldn't muster up any performances of note.

Of course, goals are an attacker's currency, and it's here where Rashford has really suffered of late, particularly when you put his goals side-by-side with Lamine's 18 and Raphinha's 34 from last season across competitions, not to mention their 25 assists each in 24/25.

Marcus Rashford xG map in the Premier League in 2024/25 for both clubsOpta by StatsPerform

It might surprise many to note that their 51.3% and 52.8% shot accuracy from last season was well below Rashford's 72.2% - easily United's best - and suggests that, given the chance, the England international will make sure any keepers he faces are kept on their toes.

With a 21.4% conversion rate too, again the best showing at the Red Devils, he far exceeds Lamine's 7.7% and Raphinha's 14.7%.

Versatility key for Flick

Let's not forget either that he can play as a central striker/false nine if required and that versatility could be manna from heaven for Flick in the months where the games come thick and fast.

If he can hit his sweet spot on arrival, there's simply no reason why, with help from an arm around the shoulder from the manager, that Rashford can't become the player everyone knows he can be.

The question to be asked is how much does he want it...