Marcus Rashford has been in great form for Barcelona(Image: (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images))
Marcus Rashford is reportedly enjoying a more low-key career at Barcelona as Manchester United's transfer plan begins to take shape.
The England international joined Barcelona over the summer on a season-long loan after Ruben Amorim dropped him from the United squad. The 28-year-old now appears closer than ever to leaving the club where he first made his name.
Rashford joined the United academy at just seven years old. Born in the city, he is a true Mancunian and quickly became a fan favourite at Old Trafford as he broke into the first team.
He soon became not just one of the biggest names in Manchester, but a major figure on the international stage. His fallout with Amorim was widely documented, and his loan spell at [Aston Villa](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/aston-villa-fc) signalled an intention to step away from the club he grew up at.
Now, with Spanish giants Barcelona, Rashford is enjoying not being the main man, according to The Times.
They wrote: "...Around his new club Rashford is said to be more shy and reserved, while his introduction in August seemed almost deliberately low-key."
They added: "...Those close to Rashford insist this was how he wanted it, the attention dialled down and the noise put on mute. Yamal is the real star at Barcelona, their teenage sensation whose personal life makes headlines and whose form and fitness spin the wheel of national debate."
Although United executives may feel some envy over the performances Rashford is delivering in Spain, their long-term plan for the England international appears to be unfolding as intended.
United reportedly hope that Barcelona will trigger the £26m option-to-buy clause in Rashford's contract. And with the Manchester-born forward continuing to impress, the chances of that clause being activated look increasingly strong.
Rashford has 13 goal contributions in his first 16 games for the La Liga club. Barcelona currently sit second in the league table, three points behind fierce rivals Real Madrid.