Marcus Rashford returns to England on Thursday night as Barcelona begin their 2025/26 Champions League campaign with a trip to Newcastle.
After falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim and spending the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, Marcus Rashford completed a temporary move to Barcelona.
The deal includes a buy option for £26 million, so Rashford is on a mission to prove himself and rejuvenate his career ahead of next summer.
Rashford recorded his first assist for Barcelona in their 6-0 win over Valencia on Sunday. He also scored for England during the international break, which is evidence that his form has improved since moving to Spain.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been very supportive of Rashford and hopes the England international shines when he takes on Newcastle in the Champions League.
Marcus Rashford playing against Valencia
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford excited for Champions League clash vs Newcastle
Rashford is in line to start for Barcelona, despite being the third-choice option for a backup role when he joined Flick’s side.
The 27-year-old joined Barcelona on loan following the club’s failed pursuits of Nico Williams and Luis Diaz. His arrival meant there would be support for former Premier League star Raphinha on the left wing; however, he is about to start in Barcelona’s Champions League opener at Newcastle.
Thus far, Rashford has shared minutes with Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres.
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Now, with Yamal injured, Flick is ready to turn to Rashford at St James’ Park.
In a new report from The Athletic, Rashford’s latest objective is revealed, with the United loanee desperate to score his first goal for Barcelona against Newcastle.
A source close to Rashford said: “He loves the sun, the life in the city and his team-mates.
“Now he is looking to score his first official goal at the club – and I can’t think of a better place than doing it in England.”
Rashford considered ‘shy’ at Barcelona
It will take time for Rashford to settle fully at Barcelona.
Learning a new language takes time and Rashford must also find his feet in a new dressing room, having done so at United and Aston Villa in the past.
Barcelona players with the most chances created this season:
8 — Eric Garcia, Marcus Rashford
7 — Pedri, Lamine, Raphinha
6 — Ferran Torres
5 — Dani Olmo
Only ones with 5+ pic.twitter.com/FxpYc50X2w
— BarçaMuse (@Barca_Muse) September 17, 2025
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A member of Barcelona’s backroom staff said: “He is still a bit shy with all of us. But he is laughing all day, you can tell he is so happy to be here.
“When he arrived, we thought we knew the sort of player he was. Big profile, flashy in a way, Manchester United talent, in the headlines very often… but what we’ve seen here is that he’s genuinely a good guy.”