Marcus Rashford has spent the bulk of 2025 out on loan after falling out with Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim in December last year
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford got his dream move and he doesn't want to lose it now
View 3 Images
A great deal has changed in the 12 months since Marcus Rashford first made clear his desire to leave Manchester United.
The 28-year-old forward, now enjoying something of a career resurgence at Barcelona, appeared to be facing a bleak future after falling out with United manager Ruben Amorim. After 18 months of disappointing form and with Amorim intent on building his side around a powerful, focal-point No. 9, Rashford found himself at a crossroads.
Although born and raised in Manchester, Rashford had long harboured a dream beyond the walls of Old Trafford - and that dream was Barcelona. But reaching the Camp Nou would require patience and perseverance.
The January transfer window came and went without it being realised, despite discussions with the Catalan club. Instead, Rashford completed a deadline-day loan move to Aston Villa, using the opportunity to begin repairing his bruised reputation.
He scored just four goals in 17 appearances at Villa Park, but his performances in the West Midlands were enough to prompt Barcelona to return with renewed interest that summer. "I just believe that things happen when they're supposed to happen," Rashford told ESPN in October.
"It's not the first time I spoke with Barcelona about potentially coming here, but for whatever reasons it didn't happen in the past and now is my opportunity to make it happen. I feel like there's no time like the present now. So I just take things day to day.
Rashford and Amorim
It's been a year since Marcus Rashford fell out of favour with Ruben Amorim
View 3 Images
"The key thing for me is just to continue to improve because when you retire, you're going to miss everything - the good stuff, the bad stuff - you're going to miss it about the sport. Every day I just take it day by day and just try to improve from the day before."
Those remarks speak volumes about Rashford's mentality - one that was frequently scrutinised during his time at United. The England international's behaviour, both on and off the pitch, has been called into questioned frequently over the years, but his renewed focus and willingness to work quietly appear to have reshaped his reputation and delivered tangible rewards.
"I was clear on my preference from the beginning," Rashford explained after joining Barcelona in July. "It didn’t work out in January so I went to Aston Villa and enjoyed a good period there. I'm very grateful for the opportunity to play there.
"The summer came around very quickly, it was time to make another decision. My choice was easy."
Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring a goal on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United
Rashford's form picked up after joining Aston Villa on loan last season
View 3 Images
In Spain, Rashford has been in fine fettle. He has become a near ever-present in Hansi Flick's side, missing just one of Barcelona's 25 matches in all competitions so far.
The numbers reflect his influence. Rashford has registered nine goals and 11 assists, with his impact particularly pronounced in the Champions League, where he has contributed directly to seven goals in six appearances.
That form has also seen him re-establish himself as a regular in the England setup. With Barca strongly tipped to make his loan move permanent next year, Rashford's decision to leave last January - regardless of the destination - grows wiser by the day.