Rashford set for double training session with new teammates after Man Utd move

Marcus Rashford has had a medical and will presented as a Barcelona player on Wednesday.

He has officially joined Barca on a season-long loan from Manchester United, a move that brings to an end his long association with his boyhood club and marks a significant new chapter in his career. 

The 27-year-old England international arrived in Barcelona on Sunday, passed a medical, and is set to be presented as a Barça player before the squad departs for a pre-season tour in Asia.

He has already met the manager Hansi Flick and the sporting director Deco, while he is due to train with his new teammates during a double session on Tuesday.

The agreement sees Barcelona acquire Rashford on an initial 12-month loan, with a fixed €35 million (approx. £30.3 million) option to buy at the end of the season. 

The Spanish giants will cover Rashford’s full wages during his time at the Camp Nou, providing United with substantial wage bill relief—estimated at around £14 million. 

Reports suggest Rashford accepted a significant salary cut to facilitate the transfer, reflecting his determination to reignite his career in Spain.

Rashford’s move comes after a frustrating period at Old Trafford, where he fell out of favor under manager Ruben Amorim.

The forward was excluded from first-team training upon his return from a six-month loan at Aston Villa last season, and his iconic No. 10 shirt was reallocated to new signing Matheus Cunha. 

Rashford publicly expressed his desire for a new challenge, and Barcelona—a club he has long admired—emerged as his preferred destination.

Barcelona, reigning La Liga champions with the most potent attack in Spain last season, sought to strengthen their frontline after pursuing Nico Williams and Luis Díaz, who both proved unattainable.

Rashford, with his Champions League experience and versatility, is seen as a valuable addition to a squad that already boasts Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres, and Dani Olmo. 

His arrival is expected to add depth and competition, particularly on the left wing—a position Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, identified as a priority.

A product of United’s academy, Rashford made 429 appearances for the club, scoring 138 goals and winning major trophies, including the Europa League and two domestic cups. 

However, consistency has eluded him in recent seasons, leading to a loan spell at Aston Villa, where he contributed four goals in 17 games. 

Now, Rashford looks to rebuild his reputation in La Liga, with the chance to earn a permanent move should he impress under Hansi Flick.

While Rashford’s move is a coup for Barcelona and a fresh start for the player, it represents a significant financial and sporting shift for Manchester United, who are reshaping their squad under new management.

The deal allows United to offload a high earner while giving Rashford the platform to revive his career at one of Europe’s most historic clubs.

Rashford is expected to meet his new teammates in Asia, where Barcelona’s pre-season tour kicks off later this week.

His first competitive appearances could come in a significantly renovated Camp Nou, with the stadium set for a phased reopening amid ongoing construction.

While his home debut may be delayed, Rashford’s focus will be on making an immediate impact as both club and player eye a return to peak form.

In summary, Marcus Rashford’s loan to Barcelona is one of the summer’s most dramatic moves—a blend of sporting ambition, financial pragmatism, and personal rejuvenation, with all parties hoping the change of scenery sparks a return to the forward’s best.