As Marcus Rashford's future at Barcelona continues to be uncertain, a worrying trend from his campaign in 2026 has emerged at a crucial time in his career
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain
Marcus Rashford was an unused substitute against Newcastle United(Image: 2026 Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
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Against Newcastle United, Marcus Rashford was left on the Barcelona bench for the second match in a row. Overall, the Manchester United academy graduate's loan move to the Catalans has been largely successful.
But after being an unused substitute in Hansi Flick's side's 5-2 home victory over Sevilla last weekend, he did not leave the bench for Barcelona's crushing 7-2 victory over Newcastle on Wednesday night. Given how open Eddie Howe's side were at the Nou Camp, Rashford would have fancied himself to add to the five goals and four assists he's amassed in this season's Champions League.
His last two matches have also coincided with another transfer U-turn from the La Liga heavyweights, who are now hoping to loan him for another season so they can delay paying the England international's £26million transfer fee.
In 2026, Rashford has only started five La Liga matches, having been deployed in the starting eleven nine times in the first half of the campaign. Moreover, having featured from the beginning in the Catalans' first four Champions League matches of the campaign, he has not started any of Barcelona's last five matches in the competition.
This is not necessarily a reflection on Rashford's performances. Every week, Rashford competes with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Dani Olmo for one of three attacking places.
Nevertheless, his recent lack of action may concern him, especially with Thomas Tuchel set to announce his upcoming England squad for the Three Lions' upcoming friendlies against Uruguay and Japan. With the World Cup now only a matter of months away, Rashford will be desperate for as many opportunities to prove himself as possible.
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona warms up during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC at Spotify Camp Nou stadium on March 15, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain
Rashford has not featured in any of Barcelona's last two matches(Image: Europa Press 2026)
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When it comes to his domestic future, it's understood Flick is still a huge admirer of the England star, despite his recent brutal snubs. In January, he said Rashford is an example for Barcelona's young stars to emulate.
The German said: "Marcus' performances have been really good until now, so we have to manage it, but it's [sporting director] Deco's job do things for next season. We have to wait.
"We have months to go. For me, of course, with Marcus we have a player on the top level, but also with our situation, and what I appreciate a lot from him [is his desire to be here].
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"This is what I want to say to young players from La Masia: We are Barça and we are one of the best teams in the world. We give them the opportunity to train with us, to grow, to train with the best players in the world, the support and the confidence.
"If you want to play with Barça, then it has to be 100% with your whole heart. This is what I want to say to everyone: 100%. These colours, you have to live for them. All the others, I don't want."