Barca striker points to confidence as key issue in Rashford’s decline
Marcus Rashford’s difficult spell at Manchester United has come under fresh attention after Barcelona team-mate Robert Lewandowski suggested the club failed to support him in the right way. The England forward saw his time at Old Trafford unravel before leaving, and Lewandowski believes belief and trust could have made a major difference.
Rashford struggled under Ruben Amorim and eventually fell out with the United manager. His situation worsened when Amorim publicly questioned his commitment, even saying he would rather name his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach on the bench. Rashford has not played for United since December 2024, and over the summer he also lost the No.10 shirt to Matheus Cunha.
Fresh start in Spain has brought Rashford back to life
After spending the second half of last season at Aston Villa, where he showed signs of recovering form, Rashford moved to Barcelona in February and quickly rebuilt momentum. Since arriving in Spain, he has become an important figure for the team, scoring 10 goals and adding 13 assists in 36 appearances.
Lewandowski, who shares the dressing room with Rashford, said the forward is the kind of player who gives everything when he feels trusted. In his view, Rashford responds strongly to confidence and can offer far more when he knows people believe in him.
Barcelona have an option to make the move permanent for £26 million, although reports suggest the club hope to lower that figure. Rashford is said to be keen on staying, but his long-term future has not yet been settled.
Flick keeps door open but avoids guarantees
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick recently praised Rashford’s performances but stopped short of confirming what will happen beyond this season. He explained that discussions about the squad are ongoing between himself, sporting director Deco, and the club, but said there is still plenty of time before any final decision is made.
For now, Rashford’s form in Spain is giving him the platform he seemed to lose in Manchester, while comments from inside the Barcelona dressing room have only added to the debate over how United handled one of their most talented forwards.
