Marcus Rashford left Manchester United to join Barcelona on loan this summer, with Red Devils legends Roy Keane and Gary Neville casting doubt over the move
Roy Keane.
Roy Keane has questioned Marcus Rashford's footballing intelligence
(Image: YouTube/The Overlap)
Roy Keane has questioned whether Marcus Rashford possesses the footballing brain needed to thrive at Barcelona. The Manchester United forward is playing his football in La Liga this season after securing a loan move from Old Trafford.
The long-serving Red Devils star found himself surplus to requirements under Ruben Amorim following the Portuguese manager's arrival in November 2024. This prompted his decision to seek regular football under Hansi Flick at the Nou Camp.
The winger made an encouraging start to life in Spain during pre-season, finding the net once and providing an assist in his early appearances for Barca. But Keane remains unconvinced by Rashford's prospects, questioning whether he has the tactical understanding required to flourish in Spanish football.
During a discussion about the transfer window's winners and losers on the Stick to Football podcast, former United star Gary Neville said: "Last one is Marcus Rashford to Barcelona. I know it's not a big signing in terms of the Premier League but it's an amazing move for him.
"I mean, I hope he does well. I think that him leaving is a poor reflection upon the club, but also him in terms of how it's gone in the last few years. But I just hope he can get his career back on track. What a move."
Keane then weighed in, as he asked: "Do you reckon he's got enough football intelligence to go over there and adapt to a different league, different football, different lifestyle?
"Has he got that intelligence on and off the pitch to to make it work? He's obviously a talented boy. We know his strengths and that is running in behind. He kind of stopped doing that a little bit."
Gary Neville.
Gary Neville shared Keane's concerns about Rashford's suitability to Barcelona's system
Neville went on to suggest that a repeat of Rashford's recent struggles at United could be on the cards, given Barca's tendency to control possession in matches. He said: "Well I think Roy, you're in Barcelona. It's maybe because I'm thinking of Barcelona 10 years ago.
"I know it's slightly different now but they dominate a lot of games whereby they are high up the pitch and you've got teams behind the ball, and you think Marcus is better when he's playing in a counter-attacking system. So when you're playing in tight areas."
Keane interrupted Neville's assessment, as he said: "That's why I think there are question marks, a little bit." Neville added: "I know he plays off the left-hand side.
"But when United had teams that sat deep against him, you quite often saw him sort of run the ball out of play a bit didn't you and stuff and, just be a bit scruffy. But I mean look, his confidence looks like he's [on the up]."
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona looks on during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Como1907 at Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
The attacker has backed himself to return to the top this season
Keane also said: "I'm going to say hit just to try and get the feel-good factor out of it." Although he failed to find the net in Barcelona's 3-0 La Liga curtain-raiser against RCD Mallorca, Rashford is confident that he can rediscover his devastating form in Spain.
He acknowledged his path to success won't be straightforward, as he must adjust to fresh tactics and a different division. Addressing the media ahead of the season's launch, the 27-year-old said: "It's been a good pre-season and we're ready for the start of the season.
"I've settled in quite well and I'm adapting to the team and the coach. There are a lot of great players here - I already knew that. The quality and intensity are very high, and that's what we need to maintain throughout the season. It will be tough because it's a new country and a different league. I accept the challenge."
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