Marcus Rashford’s ties with Manchester United have not been cut permanently despite his move to Barcelona, and Thomas Tuchel’s verdict on his performance for England only strengthens that claim.
After starting well for Barcelona, Marcus Rashford has gone off the boil a bit, but he remains in England’s plans by virtue of the club he plays for and what he can potentially do.
Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of the player, and he gave Rashford a start against Andorra in England’s recent fixture.
Rashford’s performance wasn’t the best, and Tuchel’s verdict on the same after the game is bad news for what Barcelona and Hansi Flick are trying to do with the player.
Marcus Rashford of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between England and Andorra at Villa Park on September 6, 2025
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
Thomas Tuchel’s verdict on Marcus Rashford
As expected, England dominated possession against a much inferior Andorra side, ending the game with 83% possession.
Despite that, clear-cut chances were few and far between, and Rashford was subbed off after 68 minutes after failing to have that “wow” moment against an obliging opposition.
He started on the left of an attacking midfield trio with Noni Madueke and Ebere Eze, but finished his outing as probably the weakest of the trio.
Tuchel acknowledged his struggles after the game, but lauded him for his effort in training and his positive spirit to make a difference.
More United News
However, the worrying thing is what he started his verdict with, saying that Rashford is ‘clearly a left winger’.
Tuchel said: “For me, he’s clearly a left winger. That’s where we played him today. He had the freedom to go a bit more inside to play not only against the fifth defender in the back five, but to play maybe more inside against the third [centre-back].
“I think the right side was a bit more active and found the positions a bit better. So I think he suffered from that today. He had an excellent training week, and it was obvious that we want him to start because he trained so well on the left side.
“I can see that he tries. This is for me, the most important that he stays positive and he trains at the moment with the right attitude with a smile.
“He struggles a bit with numbers and with ‘wow’ performance in an England shirt.”
Why Tuchel’s verdict is bad news for Barcelona and Man Utd
Rashford has always been a left-winger; once he evolved his game after breaking through as a striker.
However, during his Aston Villa loan and now at Barcelona, the talk of him playing as a striker has gained momentum.
Hansi Flick has lauded his qualities as a potential striker, and a part of the reason why Barcelona even wanted him is because of his ability to play as the No. 9.
However, after only three games, Flick has decided he would rather have Ferran Torres as his striker.
With Raphinha’s place on the left nailed on and Lamine Yamal playing on the right, Rashford is already a squad player.
When Robert Lewandowski returns from injury, the attacking competition will push him further down the ranks, which is bad news for everyone involved.
Rashford’s contract at Old Trafford runs until 2028, and Barcelona have an option to buy him, not an obligation. They can clearly avoid taking that up.
United will be left with another high-earner on the fringes of the squad just as they shift out two, because Jadon Sancho and Casemiro’s contracts expire next summer.
For everyone’s sake, it would be in Rashford’s best interests to start flourishing as a striker for Barcelona so Tuchel changes his mind.
Or, becomes undeniable as a left-winger that Barcelona consider him as a genuine competition for Raphinha instead of as his backup.