Sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what a player needs—and that’s what Marcus Rashford is banking on.
The 27-year-old forward has sealed a season-long loan move to Barcelona, giving him the chance to hit reset after a rocky chapter at Manchester United.
For former England striker Alan Shearer, this isn’t just a transfer—it’s an opportunity for Rashford to rediscover his best form and take back control of his football career.
A Strained Relationship at Manchester United
Rashford’s troubles at Old Trafford have been no secret.
His relationship with United’s new manager Ruben Amorim soured quickly after the Portuguese boss arrived.
That tension eventually led Rashford to spend the back half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he showed glimpses of his talent—but nothing consistent enough to warrant a permanent deal.
Now, with the deal in place, Barcelona have the option to buy him outright next summer.
It’s a move that could completely shift the direction of Rashford’s career.
Shearer Says It’s All Up to Rashford Now
Alan Shearer spoke to Betfair about the transfer and didn’t hold back on what it means for the player.
“It could be a huge move for Marcus,” Shearer said. “But that all depends on him.”
According to Shearer, Rashford has to wipe the slate clean—forget the highs and lows of the past few seasons—and fully commit to proving himself.
“This is a career reset,” he added. “Barcelona is massive.
They clearly believe in him—they’re paying his full salary and could even buy him permanently. What an opportunity.”
Questions Over Attitude and Advice
While Rashford’s talent has never really been in question, his attitude has often come under scrutiny—especially in recent years.
Last year, he shocked fans and pundits with a blunt interview in which he expressed his desire to leave Manchester United. Manager Amorim later suggested that Rashford might not be getting the best guidance from his inner circle.
Shearer, for his part, made it clear that Rashford alone is responsible for his next steps.
“Only he can answer whether he gets back into the England squad,” he said.
“I don’t know him personally or where his mindset is right now, but Barcelona must believe they can unlock his potential again, or they wouldn’t be investing £300,000 a week.”
A Gamble Worth Taking?
Barcelona’s faith in Rashford is clear—but is it a risk? Shearer admits it might be.
“They’ve clearly done their homework and had long talks with him. Maybe they think it’s a risk worth taking,” he said.
“It could be a brilliant signing… or it could be an expensive mistake.”
He added that while Rashford showed some promise at Aston Villa, the fact that they didn’t take him on permanently raises questions.
“We’ve not seen the player he used to be for a long time,” Shearer noted.
“Only Marcus knows where he’s at mentally and physically.”
A Make-or-Break Moment in Catalonia
All eyes are now on Rashford as he gears up to wear the Barcelona shirt.
With a new manager in Hansi Flick, a fresh environment, and a world-class stage in La Liga, this is more than just a transfer—it’s a lifeline.
Whether he grabs it or lets it slip will be up to him.
And as Shearer puts it: “Now it’s down to Marcus.”
