Rashford's time is up?

Marcus Rashford is close to moving to Barcelona.

Marcus Rashford, the one-time "golden boy" of Manchester United, is entering a new chapter of his career, where he must both wash away his heavy past and prove his true worth in the Blaugrana shirt.

From prodigy to suspect

Rashford was born in Manchester and grew up with a burning love for football with his hometown club. He was once considered the successor to the legacy of legends such as Cristiano Ronaldo or Wayne Rooney. But football is never an easy path. The missed penalty kick in the Euro 2020 final against Italy was a haunting moment, marking the beginning of a series of dark days for the boy born in 1997.

When the 2024/25 season started, Rashford was no longer in Erik ten Hag's plans. Despite the arrival of Ruben Amorim, Rashford was still not given a chance. At 27 - considered the peak of his career - he was forced to find a place to revive.

Aston Villa and Unai Emery opened the door to salvation, and Rashford responded with impressive form: 11 goals and 9 assists in more than 2,000 minutes of play. Barcelona, seeing this return, decided to bet.

Barcelona saw Rashford in action in their Europa League clash in 2023. Now they hope his pace, skill and goal-scoring instincts will breathe new life into an attack that has been lacking in dynamics. Not only is Rashford an explosive left-winger, he can also play up front, becoming the spearhead he once tormented Premier League defences.

Rashford's move to Barcelona is not just a sports deal.

Rashford's move to Barcelona is more than just a sporting deal. It's symbolic. It's been 40 years since Gary Lineker - one of England's most prolific strikers - made his mark at Camp Nou. Now Rashford is the man to take over, with the pressure and trust of millions of Cules.

An “angel” off the pitch

Not only famous for his sprints and decisive shots, Rashford is also admired by the whole of England for his kindness. Growing up in poverty in Wythenshawe, he knows what it is like to be hungry and deprived.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Rashford did not hesitate to participate in charity campaigns, directly transporting food to poor children. He was the youngest player to top The Sunday Times charity list, and the image of the "Manchester boy" became the pride of the city.

The Copson Street mural, filled with flowers and gifts, is a testament to the love people have for him. Rashford is not just a football star, but also a humane icon rarely seen in the world of elite sport.

Can Rashford revive his form at Barcelona?

However, the pinnacle of kindness did not help Rashford avoid the harshness of top-flight football. The Euro 2020 final made him a target of attack. Three missed penalties by Rashford, Sancho and Saka not only led to England's defeat to Italy, but also opened a wave of cruel racism.

“I will never apologise for who I am or where I come from,” Rashford said in an emotional statement. “I am proud to be Marcus Rashford, a black man from Withington and Wythenshawe, south Manchester.”

But the psychological wounds linger. He is no longer the No. 10 who once made Old Trafford shine. Ten Hag’s criticism of his “unprofessional lifestyle” has pushed Rashford further away from the orbit of a top star.

What happened at Aston Villa shows that Rashford is not out of time. It is just a matter of environment. Barcelona, with its attacking philosophy and skillful play, could be the place where he can develop all his qualities - from speed, ability to break through to ability to create breakthroughs. But Camp Nou is not a comfortable place. This place has been the stage of Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, Neymar - true football artists. Rashford not only has to shine, he also has to be brave enough not to be overwhelmed by the pressure.

Marcus Rashford has a warrior's story: from poor boy in Manchester to international star, from the peak of glory to the depths of criticism. He fell hard, but never gave up.

40 years ago, Gary Lineker left his mark on Barcelona history. Now, Rashford has the chance to write a new chapter for English football in La Liga. Can he overcome the ghosts of the past and return to the image of the boy who once delighted Old Trafford?

Barcelona is not only a destination, but can also become the place where Rashford - a "Red Devil" with an "angelic" soul and the desire to conquer glory once again - is reborn.

Source: https://znews.vn/rashford-het-thoi-post1570073.html