Roy Keane has doubts that Marcus Rashford has the footballing intelligence to succeed over in Spain, meanwhile Gary Neville worries that the forward could be in for a repeat of previous campaigns
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between RCD Mallorca and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Son Moix on August 16, 2025 in Mallorca, Spain.
Marcus Rashford's intelligence has been questioned by a former Manchester United star
(Image: Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Roy Keane has cast doubt over Marcus Rashford's loan move to Barcelona this season, fearing he doesn't have the intelligence to succeed with the Spanish giants.
The Manchester United attacker has been plying his trade in LaLiga this year, following a loan move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa in January. The longtime servant of the club ended up falling down Ruben Amorim's pecking order at the club since his arrival in November 2024, and is aiming to get his form back on track under Hansi Flick in Barca instead.
The left-winger impressed in preseason, scoring and assisting once in various cameos to kick off his Barcelona career on a positive. However, Keane hasn't been initially convinced by Rashford, admitting he doesn't think the star has the knowledge to do as well as he'd like in Spain.
While discussing the hits and misses of the transfer window so far on the Stick to Football podcast, ex-United man 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 chimed 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?
Gary Neville.
Gary Neville is concerned that Rashford will perform similarly to how he has at Manchester United in recent times
(Image: YOUTUBE/The Overlap)
"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."
Neville went on to point out that a repeat of Rashford's recent campaigns at United could be on the cards, due to Barca's ability to dominate possession in games. 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 counterattacking system. So when you're playing in tight areas."
Keane interrupted Neville's theory, as he said: "That's why I think there are question marks, a little bit."
However, Neville concluded by backing Rashford to gain the momentum back for his career, adding: "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]."
Keane also noted: "I'm going to say hit just to try and get the feel-good factor out of it."
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona reacts during the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Como1907 at Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 10, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
Marcus Rashford is confident he will succeed in Spain
(Image: Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
While he didn't score in Barcelona's 3-0 LaLiga opener over RCD Mallorca, Rashford is, of course, backing himself to get back to his scintillating best in Spain. The forward did admit that his journey to the top will be tough, as he has to adapt to a new system and league.
Speaking to the media before the season began, the 27-year-old said: "It’s been a good preseason 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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