Rashford thanks Barcelona as Man United future remains uncertain

By Simon Peach, Press Association Chief Football Writer

Marcus Rashford thanked Barcelona for the “special memories” and wished them well for the campaign ahead as he prepares to return to Manchester United.

The 28-year-old recently finished a fruitful season-long loan at the Nou Camp, where he scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions.

Rashford helped Barca to the LaLiga crown but Hansi Flick’s side opted against making his move permanent and instead splashed the cash on signing England team-mate Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.

The forward’s future remains uncertain, but there is a growing feeling that the most likely outcome is him staying at Old Trafford, where former team-mate Michael Carrick is now in charge.

Rashford is due to soon link up with United after a post-World Cup break, and he has thanked Barcelona for an unforgettable campaign in Spain.

“I’m very grateful to everyone at the club for making my time here such a positive and memorable experience,” Rashford said in an Instagram post. “I’ve enjoyed every moment and will take many special memories with me.

“I wish the club and all its supporters the very best of luck and every success in the season ahead. Visca el Barça.”

Rashford’s post swiftly received a comment from the official Barcelona account, which read: “Thanks for everything, Rashy. You will always be one of us.”

https://x.com/FCBarcelona/status/2063622445131587877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Raphinha, Gavi and Fermin Lopez were among the former teammates to leave messages, with Spain’s World Cup final matchwinner Ferran Torres saying ‘Love u bro’.

Rashford returns to United with two years left on the mega-money contract signed in 2023 following his best season to date.

The academy product has scored a total of 138 goals in 426 matches for the Red Devils, with his last appearance coming in a Europa League win away to Viktoria Plzen in December 2024.

Rashford ended that campaign on loan at Aston Villa and, having been part of then-manager Ruben Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ last summer, joined Barcelona for the 2025/26 campaign.