Marcus Rashford joins Barcelona on loan, leaving fans and ex-players with mixed feelings.
Sheringham doubts the move, but Ferdinand says it’s a good chance to start fresh.
Former Manchester United forwards Teddy Sheringham and Rio Ferdinand have expressed contrasting opinions on Marcus Rashford’s surprise loan move to Spanish giants Barcelona.
Rashford completed a temporary switch from Manchester United to Barcelona over the weekend, reportedly taking a 15% pay cut as part of the deal. The England international has already arrived in Spain for medical examinations ahead of his official unveiling at Camp Nou.
The transfer has sparked debate among football pundits, with Sheringham openly criticizing the move. Speaking to The TouchlineX, the former England striker argued that Rashford hasn’t earned a transfer of such magnitude.
“I hope Rashford doesn’t get the move he’s hankering for,” Sheringham said. “If you’re going from Man United to Barça, that’s a step up; but he doesn’t deserve it! You can’t deserve it if you haven’t put the hard work in.”
On the other hand, Rio Ferdinand took a more supportive stance, urging Rashford to seize the opportunity and reinvent himself at Barcelona.
“Marcus Rashford has to go in there and do things that are different from the strikers and attacking players they already have,” Ferdinand said. “Be a threat in behind. Make teams take a step back when Marcus Rashford is on the pitch. Shoot, because he’s got a lethal shot with that right foot. Shift it, shoot. Don’t over-dribble and complicate things.”
Ferdinand added that if Rashford adapts his playing style effectively, the move could prove to be a significant coup for the La Liga side. “If Rashford manages to do all this, this deal will be a steal, a real steal!”
Rashford endured a mixed 2024/25 season at Old Trafford, with questions surrounding his form and commitment. The move to Barcelona could offer a fresh start, as the Catalan club looks to rejuvenate its attacking options.
The deal is expected to run until the end of the 2025/26 season, with no option to buy currently included in the loan agreement.
