Marcus Rashford came through Manchester United’s academy and achieved superstar status before falling out with the manager and moving to Spain.
Sound familiar? David Beckham was also an academy star at Manchester United as part of the iconic Class of ’92.
He quickly became a global phenomenon at Old Trafford, but Beckham’s fallout with Sir Alex Ferguson marked the beginning of the end of his United career.
What do you think is Marcus Rashford’s legacy at Man Utd?
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Beckham made his move to join the Real Madrid Galacticos. While Marcus Rashford may not have acquired the fame of Beckham at United, he was still one of the club’s highest-profile players when he was frozen out by Ruben Amorim last season.
What followed was Rashford making a loan move to Barcelona, and he has thrived in Spain this season, especially in the Champions League.
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's fourth goal from a free kick during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between FC Barcelona and F.C. Copenhagen at Camp Nou on January 28, 2026
Photo by Alex Caparros – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Marcus Rashford matches David Beckham in the Champions League
Rashford has been particularly impressive for Barcelona in the Champions League, outperforming Lamine Yamal and others on Europe’s biggest stage.
On Wednesday evening, Rashford scored a free-kick to help Barcelona to a 4-1 win over Copenhagen and achieve qualification to the last 16 in the Champions League.
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As pointed out by OptaJoe, Rashford has joined David Beckham as the only two English players to have scored a free kick for two different sides in the Champions League.
What was the best goal Marcus Rashford scored for Manchester United? ⚽︎
Marcus Rashford had some special moments in a Manchester United shirt!
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Beckham was supportive of Rashford’s United career, and now the 28-year-old is following in his footsteps in Europe.
Rashford actually outscored Beckham at United, but his legacy has been tarnished by his awkward exit in the summer.
Marcus Rashford’s Champions League record is elite
The free-kick goal scored against Copenhagen this week was Rashford’s fifth goal of the season in the Champions League.
In just 464 minutes in the competition – across eight appearances – Rashford has scored five goals and provided four assists.
READ MORE: Spanish media hail Marcus Rashford after impactful Champions League cameo for Barcelona
As per BBC Sport, Rashford is averaging a goal every 93 minutes in the competition, and he is showing no signs of slowing down.
Barcelona finishing fifth in the Champions League group standings means they are through to the last 16 in the competition.
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