Gary Lineker has shared his strong opinion on whether Marcus Rashford should return to Manchester United after bringing up his behaviour
SANTANDER, SPAIN - JANUARY 15: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona reacts during the Copa del Rey Round of 16 match between Racing de Santander and FC Barcelona at El Sardinero on January 15, 2026 in Santander, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford's Barcelona future is set to be resolved soon(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Getty Images)
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Gary Lineker has highlighted Marcus Rashford's brilliant behaviour at Barcelona while warning the forward not to make a return to Manchester United. The 28-year-old joined the Spanish giants last summer on a season-long loan deal, after being frozen out of the United squad by Ruben Amorim.
The England star has made a strong impression during his time in Spain, notching 10 goals and 13 assists in 36 appearances across all competitions this season. His performances for the La Liga leaders have increased speculation that Barcelona will secure his signature permanently when the season ends.
The Catalans have a £26million option to sign him in the summer, with SPORT reporting last weekend that the club have made a breakthrough in agreeing a salary with Rashford, provided they can reach an agreement with United.
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Amorim, who had previously questioned Rashford's commitment in training sessions, was dismissed by United in January and succeeded by Michael Carrick. With Carrick now in charge and United enjoying a resurgence, some supporters have called for the club to keep their home-grown talent despite his Old Trafford career appearing finished for over a year.
However, former Barcelona striker Lineker has dismissed that idea, pointing to how successfully Rashford has adapted both on and off the pitch in Catalonia and arguing that a return to United would only invite renewed scrutiny from the British media. Along with advocating for him to stay at Barcelona, Lineker praised his behaviour and suggested he faced unfair criticism in England over off-field incidents.
Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast: "He’s not getting many minutes at the moment. That’s for obvious reasons. Lamine Yamal is playing on the right and Raphinha is playing on the left and they are both in the top five players in world football. So it’s understandable. But whenever he comes on he does really well."
Discussing the prospect of Rashford staying at Barcelona, Lineker added: "I think that would be a great move for him, don’t you? It looks promising for him."
Podcast co-host Alex Aljoe shed light on Barcelona being impressed with his off-field behaviour even when he hasn’t been starting games. She replied: "Barcelona have really liked his attitude, the fact he hasn’t been starting week in week out but he’s delivered when he’s been brought on to the pitch.
Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football
Gary Lineker says Rashford shouldn't return to parent club Manchester United(Image: The Rest is Football)
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"His head’s in the right place. He’s not moaning or sulking when he’s not playing. He’s coming on and proving his quality when he’s given the opportunity.
"He was criticised at Manchester United for his attitude at times but it seems he’s really enjoying life in Barcelona and he’s really happy there. He’s clearly settling in well.
"I think it would be a great move for him to make it permanent." Lineker agreed, saying: "I think he’s been really excellent in that [how he’s conducted himself]."
On the subject of whether United will keep him this summer, Lineker continued: "I think it will come down to Marcus. If he goes back to Manchester United he will face all the old criticism again.
"Oh, ‘He’s focusing too much on helping kids have food on their table’, like it’s a bad thing. They did this bizarre thing about why he was wearing some kind of flashy necklace.
"They don’t do that nonsense over there [in Spain] so he just gets on with his football. It was a fresh start and I would imagine he’s really loving it and not getting all the off-field nonsense he gets in this country. They leave you to live your life. It doesn’t compare to how our media is here."