Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona transfer reports branded ‘absolute rubbish’

Reports that Marcus Rashford’s time at Barcelona could already be heading to an end after just three games have been shot down as ‘absolute rubbish’

Reports that Barcelona could send Marcus Rashford back to Manchester United have been branded “absolutely rubbish”.

The 27-year-old joined the Catalan giants on loan this summer, with Barcelona said to be paying all of his wages and holding an option to buy in the region of £20million.

Despite returning to the England squad and starting against Andorra on Saturday, Rashford is having a tough time finding his feet in Spain. The forward has featured in all three of Barcelona’s opening La Liga games, starting just one before he was hooked off at half-time.

There are reportedly concerns about Rashford from Barcelona’s board, with Spanish outlet El Nacional claiming that club bosses have been left unimpressed with Rashford’s slow start, describing him as “shy, imprecise and lost” on the pitch.

It’s further claimed that Barcelona are debating pulling the plug on the deal before Christmas, although the Blaugrana would owe United £4.3m for ending the deal early.

However, according to CBS journalist Guillem Balague, reports suggesting Rashford could be sent back to Old Trafford are “absolutely rubbish.”

He adds: “Barça told his representative that they have a lot of confidence in Rashford’s potential and that they believe he will recover as a top player.

“No more to say, apart from the fact I agree with Gary Lineker and his treatment by some media.”

Lineker has been vocal in his support of Rashford, and claimed last month that he wouldn’t face the same criticism if he was white. It’s unknown which one of Lineker’s comments Balague was referring to.

Speaking in August on his The Rest Is Football podcast, the former Barcelona striker said: “You know I am a massive supporter of what you did, I think everyone is, you shifted government policy and all that sort of thing. It was remarkable.

“Always my fear was, the minute he has a bad spell, they’ll blame that. Obviously I’m saying that that because I feel it a little bit, but I think sometimes the criticism of you… he might go on a night out, he might go out in a certain outfit, and that will be criticised.

“I don’t think that would be criticised if that was a white player.”

Barca boss Hansi Flick was reportedly the man who pushed to sign Rashford, and the German has been very defensive of the England international’s performances and involvement.

He said last month: “He gives us more possibilities. I know he’s more comfortable playing as a winger, but with his strengths, he contributes a lot to our play. I’m confident we’ll see a great Marcus Rashford this season.”