Gary Lineker posts ‘exclusive’ Marcus Rashford message
Gary Lineker has sent a new message to Marcus Rashford following the confirmation of his move from Man United to Barcelona.
Rashford, 27, has been subject to plenty of speculation about his future this summer following a public falling-out with Ruben Amorim, who banished him from first-team training.
After a successful loan spell at Aston Villa in the second half of last season, where he picked up ten goal contributions in 17 appearances, the forward had attracted no shortage of interest.
However, former United chief scout Mick Brown first told Football Insider in January that Rashford was prioritising a move to Barcelona ahead of other options.
Concerns about his wages and the total sum of a permanent move had put off the likes of Villa and Tottenham, before finally another loan exit was agreed.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider on 7 July that Rashford was edging closer to joining Barcelona as they accelerated talks after missing out on Nico Williams.
Marcus Rashford completes Man United exit in Barcelona move
Football Insider revealed on 22 July that Rashford’s exit could spark an exodus from United with a number of teammates expected to follow him through the exit door.
Following the announcement of his departure, he will hope to set any concerns about his time at Old Trafford aside and focus on performing in Spain.
The forward has now become just the second English player ever to represent Barcelona, following Lineker’s spell in Spain between 1986 and 1989.
He will be hopeful of following in the former England striker’s footsteps, as he scored 52 goals in 138 games for Barca and lifted the Copa Del Rey.
Following Rashford’s move to Barcelona, Lineker took to Instagram where he welcomed his fellow countryman to “a very exclusive club”.
Antony to join Marcus Rashford in Old Trafford exodus
Following Rashford’s departure, United have set their sights on shifting more of the fringe players who have been banished from first-team training under Amorim.
Brown told Football Insider on 22 July that Man United are inviting interest in Antony as they plan to sell him permanently before the Premier League season begins.
Bayer Leverkusen boss Erik ten Hag, who brought the 25-year-old to United, recent confessed: “He has great quality. I signed him twice. He was like a son to me,” hinting at a reunion. [talkSPORT]
Brown told Football Insider on 25 May that Antony is likely to leave Man United alongside a number of teammates including Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.
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