Agreement between FC Barcelona and Manchester United for the loan of Marcus Rashford

FC Barcelona and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the loan of the player Marcus Rashford until 30 June 2026. The agreement also establishes an option to buy the English forward. 

The player have signed his contract as a Barça player this afternoon in at a private meeting in the presence of the FC Barcelona president, Joan Laporta; the director of the Football Area, and other Board members.

"Coming to Barça is all that I dreamt"

On his first day as a blaugrana the English forward expressed his excitement and determination ahead of this unique opportunity in his career. "Barça is a place where dreams come true. Here good players can enjoy the game and I really love football." 

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Rashford continued to make it clear that he is here to help the team to success: "I am looking forward to helping and I want to win trophies. One of the reasons I came is that motivation and the ambition to be a better player." 

The former Manchester United man also had special mention for Hansi Flick. "The work he did last season was sensational. He has been really important in the whole process," said Rashford before reacting to the warm welcome he has been shown since arriving. "I am really grateful for the welcome that the fans have given me and I can't wait to make my debut in the jersey."

Born in Manchester, the new Barça forward started his career at local club Fletcher Moss Rangers before being picked up by Manchester United at the age of seven. After making his way through the youth teams, Rashford made his debut for the first team at the age of 18 in February 2016.

Two doubles to start  

His first game saw a dream debut under former Barça coach Louis van Gaal. Against Danish side Midtjylland, Rashford scored twice in the 5-1 win in the Europa League fixture at home, making him United’s youngest ever goalscorer in European competition at the time.  

Three days later he made his Premier League debut against Arsenal, again scoring twice and providing an assist for the other. At the age of 18 years and 120 days, Rashford became the third youngest player to score in the league for Manchester United. More records came as he found the net in the derby against Manchester City to become the youngest player to score in the fixture in the Premier League era.  

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More records  

At the age of 18 years and 208 days he made his debut for England, scoring in a friendly against Australia to become the youngest player ever to score on his first appearance or the national side. In 2016 he also became England’s youngest ever player at the European Championships.  

Goals and versatility  

Rashford soon became the focus of Manchester United’s attack, taking on the number 10 shirt in 2018. In 2022/23 he scored no less than 30 goals in all competitions and with United he claimed a Europa League title, two FA Cups, two League Cups and a Community Shield.  

After nine and a half seasons with the first team, Rashford spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at fellow Premier League side Aston Villa. Under Spanish coach Unai Emery the forward made 17 appearances, scoring four goals and creating five assists.  

Given an MBE for his community work in helping in the fight against child poverty, Rashford can play anywhere in attack. Right footed, he can take players on and is an excellent finisher, talents he can now show in a Barça shirt.