Fresh Barcelona Atmosphere Has Marcus Rashford Smiling Again

Marcus Rashford looks like a man reborn in Spain and Barcelona boss Hansi Flick says it’s no coincidence. The England international, who arrived on loan from Manchester United in the summer, has rediscovered his spark, his smile and his cutting edge in front of goal..

Rashford endured a difficult final stretch at Old Trafford, slipping down the pecking order and struggling for his usual rhythm. But at Barcelona, the forward has settled remarkably fast, scoring six times across all competitions and becoming one of the Catalans’ most consistent performers.

He missed their 4–0 LaLiga victory over Athletic Bilbao due to a flu bug, but Flick confirmed he is back in the squad and available for the Champions League blockbuster against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

“I’m really very happy,” Flick said with a grin. “He came back from a cold, but he’s OK. We’ll decide tomorrow if he starts or not, but I’m happy to have him in our team. I’ve followed him his whole career. His quality in the box is special, and he has shown that again here in Barcelona.”

Flick believes the change of scenery has been just as important as the goals.

“For him, living in another culture with fantastic people and good weather has been amazing,” he added. “You can see he’s smiling a lot now. If he enjoys the atmosphere we’ve created, then it’s good for everyone.”

Rashford’s numbers could be even better, according to his teammate Wojciech Szczesny. Four of his six goals have come in the Champions League, including a sharp double during Barcelona’s last trip to England, when they faced Newcastle United.

“Marcus is an excellent player,” Szczesny told the club’s media team. “Direct in his play, fast, always attacking the goal. He’s contributed so much already, and honestly, he deserves more goals. On his best days in training, you can’t stop him. If he unleashes that right foot more often in matches, he’ll be dangerous to anybody.”

Rashford, who spent the second half of last season at Aston Villa before completing his dream move to Spain, has a £28 million buy option attached to his loan. And if his latest comments are anything to go by, the forward is ready to make Barcelona home.

Asked whether he would like to stay permanently, Rashford told ESPN without hesitation: 

“Oh yeah, for sure. I’m enjoying this football club. For anyone who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player, it’s an honour.

“People forget that 23 years of my life was with Manchester United. Sometimes you just need a change. Maybe that’s the case with me — and I’m enjoying everything.”

With confidence rising, goals flowing and admiration growing inside the dressing room, Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona chapter might just be beginning.