Manchester United’s transfer strategy this summer has raised plenty of eyebrows, with several high-profile departures on loan and permanent deals.
While Ruben Amorim focuses on refining his squad ahead of the Premier League opener against Arsenal, many at Old Trafford are keeping a close eye on players currently plying their trade elsewhere.
Among those is Marcus Rashford, whose season-long loan move to FC Barcelona, was confirmed last month.
The 27-year-old England international is expected to rediscover his form under Hansi Flick, and judging by his latest performance, the signs are promising.
In Barcelona’s third pre-season friendly, a 5-0 thrashing of FC Daegu, Marcus Rashford scored his first goal for the Catalan giants, marking a big moment in his temporary chapter away from Old Trafford.
After sitting out the first half, Rashford was introduced in the second half as part of a full team switch made by Flick — a strategy he’s adopted throughout pre-season to test depth and tactics.
His breakthrough came just after the hour mark.
Following a slick passing move down the right flank, Eric Garcia delivered a pinpoint cut-back, and Rashford made no mistake with a first-time, low-driven finish that flew past the Daegu goalkeeper.
It was a moment met with joy by both the Barcelona bench and fans — and even a few United supporters, who hope the loan can reignite Rashford’s career.
Playing as a central striker in the absence of Ferran Torres, Rashford looked sharp, aggressive and confident.
For Barcelona, it’s a promising sign of things to come, and for United, it’s a delicate reminder of what they might still have on their books next summer.
The goal will undoubtedly boost the forward’s confidence after a tough time in Manchester over the past couple seasons, and Hansi Flick is believed to be excited by his early adaptation.
With the season fast approaching, both clubs will be watching closely — for Rashford, this loan is more than a fresh start. It’s a chance to prove he still belongs at the top.
💥 IT’S MARCUS RASHFORD
The Englishman scores his first goal in Barcelona’s colors 🔵🔴
GLOBAL HOME OF FOOTBALL | All Summer Long | https://t.co/i0K4eUtwwb pic.twitter.com/JsVlSzpfhv
— DAZN Football (@DAZNFootball) August 4, 2025
