Gary Lineker has blasted Manchester United as the reason for Marcus Rashford’s struggles on the pitch of late, as the 27-year-old looks set to seal a shock move to Barcelona.
The England international is expected to be announced as a new Barça player imminently after a torrid couple of seasons at Old Trafford.
Rashford has scored just 13 league goals in that time, with Ruben Amorim deciding to cut him loose.
The forward spent the second half of last season at Aston Villa, showing moments of brilliance but still few and far between, meaning Unai Emery decided against activating the £40million buy option in the deal.
Getty | Marcus Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston VillaBarcelona have been long-term admirers of the Mancunian, but were unable to pay the asking price, and so agreed another loan with the option to buy.
Rashford had insisted on Barcelona since learning of their interest, due to the prestige of the club and the success last season, where they won a domestic treble.
The winger is set to become just the second Englishman to play for Barcelona in the past 100 years, with former Match of the Day host Lineker making 138 appearances between 1986 and 1989.
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|Gary Lineker moved to Barcelona in 1986
Speaking to Sky Sports, Lineker expressed his confidence in Rashford’s ability and mental fortitude to take on the challenge of playing at the Nou Camp, alongside the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
He said: "He [Rashford] will do great. He seems to be in the right frame of mind. I think this is a great challenge. They have got brilliant players, they are a tough team, but there are so many games they are playing."
The 64-year-old continued by questioning the culture at Old Trafford, claiming many players had gone on to success after leaving the club.
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"Let's look at the players who have left Manchester United. They have done unbelievably well, everywhere,” he added.
"So, there is something wrong at Manchester United. The players who have got away from there have generally succeeded. At Villa, he was terrific. And he can do the same sort of thing at Barcelona. I hope so."
Scott McTominay departed the club last summer to Napoli, winning the league’s MVP award and firing Antonio Conte’s team to the title.
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|Scott McTominay played a starring role for Napoli as they stormed to the Serie A title
Like Rashford, Antony left the club in January on loan to Real Betis and found a new lease of life in Spain, scoring nine goals and firing the club into the Conference League final, although they lost to Chelsea in the final.
There is no doubt that players have gone on to success after leaving Old Trafford, and Rashford will be aiming to join that list.
With the 2026 World Cup around the corner, next season is crucial for the winger if he would like to solidify his place back in the squad.
Playing alongside some of the world’s greatest talent will certainly help his chances of achieving that goal.
In Hansi Flick’s first season at the club, the German guided them to a domestic treble and a semi-final in the Champions League, falling short to Inter Milan during a chaotic encounter.
Performing on Europe’s biggest stage and challenging for titles can help put Rashford’s name back on the map, and Lineker could be proved right.