Marcus Rashford’s Aston Villa comments proven right amid what’s happened at Barcelona
Marcus Rashford wasted no time in making his feelings towards Aston Villa clear after his loan spell came to a close at the end of last season.
The Manchester United star spent a six-month period at Villa Park that saw him notch four goal contributions in just 10 Premier League appearances.
Aston Villa were interested in a permanent deal for Rashford in the summer, but he was ultimately sent to Barcelona on another loan spell.
The England international has made an impressive start to his time with the Spanish giants, and it’s clear to see that his revival can be at least partially attributed to his time at Villa.
Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona form largely down to Aston Villa experience
Football Insider revealed back in July that Barcelona faced difficulties in registering Rashford after his loan spell from United was confirmed.
However, the Blaugrana will be delighted that they were able to find room for the winger in their group after the start that he has made in La Liga this term.
The 28-year-old already has 13 goal involvements to his name from just 17 appearances in all competitions, and he is now consistently showing the sparkling form that saw him burst onto the scene at United many years ago.
- Only Lamine Yamal has more goal contributions than Rashford at Barcelona this season
- Rashford managed 19 goal involvements in 2024-25 across his time with United and Villa
It is completely fair to suggest that Rashford’s current form for Barcelona may not have been possible had he not been able to get himself back on track at Aston Villa.
The forward told The Rest is Football podcast back in August that his loan spell at Villa was perfect for him at that stage of his career, and he has been proven right by the form that he is now showcasing.
“The timing of me going to Villa was the exact time for me to do something like that,” Rashford said.
“The response and reaction that I got from the people at the club and the fans, it was exactly what I needed on a personal level. Without having that right period, maybe I wouldn’t be feeling how I feel now.”
Marcus Rashford should be set for Manchester United reprieve
Rashford is expected to leave Manchester United permanently when his loan spell in Spain draws to a close, but he can perhaps count himself unlucky if that does prove to be the case.
He has been more productive than any player in Ruben Amorim’s squad so far this season, and ordinarily, that would prompt talk about a potential recall or a second chance at the end of his loan.
Rashford appears to have matured as both a player and a person over the last year, and he is now arguably in a position where he could walk into any of the world’s top sides.
The writing is seemingly still on the wall for him at Old Trafford, but they could live to regret it if they do allow him to leave the club permanently next summer.