Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford trains at St James' Park with Barcelona on Monday night
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This could be a defining week for Marcus Rashford, back in England tonight and at a stadium that holds some happy recent memories for him, before Sunday's presidential election at Barcelona could cast a little more light on his future.
Rashford scored his first goals for Barcelona at St James' Park back in September, netting a spectacular brace in the league phase of the Champions League, and returns this evening for a rerun of that fixture in the last-16.
He does so at a time when his form has just begun to be questioned in Spain. His performance against Athletic Club last weekend received criticism from the Spanish press and although a return of 23 goal involvements from 37 games this season is strong, he has just five goals in his last 23 appearances and just two assists in 2026, against Slavia Prague and Albacete.
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It might be overstating it to call it a slump, but it is certainly ill-timed. Club members will go to the polls on Sunday to vote for a president and what happens next with Rashford has come up on the campaign trail.
His season-long loan at Barcelona includes an option to make the move permanent for €30million (£26million), but one candidate recently suggested it shouldn't be exercised. Xavier Vilajoana hasn't made the final ballot paper, but he called for Barcelona to look for an in-house solution before spending the money on Rashford.
The battle for the presidency will come down to Joan Laporta and Victor Font. Laporta represents the status quo and is likely to win re-election, making a move for Rashford far more likely. Font has suggested he would get rid of sporting director Deco, which could clearly have ramifications for Rashford.
For now, the forward will look to have an impact on the pitch. Rashford has seven goals and four assists in 16 games against Newcastle and was the star of the show the last time United won at St James' Park, scoring once and creating two more in a 4-1 success in October 2020.
Last week, his parent club's dismal run on Tyneside continued. There is an irony to Rashford's future dominating headlines at the moment when United clearly lack a left-winger. That is something Michael Carrick touched on last week, suggesting they could strengthen in the summer. United are among several clubs interested in RB Leipzig teenager Yan Diomande.
It was claimed last month that Carrick would actually welcome Rashford back into the fold this summer. That was a suggestion that bemused people at Old Trafford and it feels like the door has been shut on a return.
Instead, United are hoping to pocket the £26million and insist they won't be renegotiating that price with Barcelona. Should the Catalan club walk away and Rashford be denied his dream move, then a strong end to the season will be essential.