Marcus Rashford has made 426 appearances for Manchester United Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford says he would like to play alongside teenage superstar Lamine Yamal at Barcelona. The 27-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, is currently fitness training in Spain before club pre-season starts, amid speculation over his future at United. When asked about the prospect of playing with Yamal in an interview with Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz, Rashford said: "Yes, for sure, Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully... we'll see." Yamal, 17, played a huge part as Barcelona won a domestic double and reached the Champions League semi-finals last season. He also had a starring role inSpain's Euro 2024 success. "[It is] difficult to put into words what he is doing. He is not supposed to be doing that at 16-17 [years of age]. We have not seen that before. It is a skill to be able to play at that age with that mentality," Rashford added. Reports in Aprilsuggested Rashford felt it was unlikely he would play for Manchester United again under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese dropped him from the United squad in December, before he spent the rest of the campaign out on loan at Aston Villa. Barcelona sporting director Deco haspreviously said that the club "like" both Rashford and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz. But despite clear interest from the Catalan club, money could be a stumbling block should they make a move for Rashford. Another factor which could impact a potential deal is that the clubagreed terms with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams last week,though because of strict rules surrounding their finances, the deal is not yet complete. The '1:1 rule' states that the club can only spend as much as their income and accounts allow, with La Liga calculating a limit based on Barca's expected income. Rashford has spent much of his recent United career playing down the left-hand side but said featuring as a striker is something he is adapting to. "The number nine position for me is becoming more natural. Playing with my back to goal is becoming easier. You are near the goal so you are dangerous," he said.
Rashford would like to play at Barcelona with Yamal
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"Marcus Rashford Expresses Desire to Play Alongside Lamine Yamal at Barcelona"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Marcus Rashford, the 27-year-old forward for Manchester United, has expressed a desire to play alongside Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation from Barcelona. In a recent interview with Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz, Rashford acknowledged the talent of Yamal, who was instrumental in Barcelona's domestic double victory and their journey to the Champions League semi-finals last season. Rashford emphasized the uniqueness of Yamal's skills, particularly for someone so young, noting that his ability to perform at such a high level with a mature mentality is extraordinary. Rashford's comments come amid uncertainty regarding his future at Manchester United, especially after spending the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa. There have been reports suggesting that he might not return to play under coach Ruben Amorim, who had previously sidelined him from the squad in December.
Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, has indicated that the club holds interest in Rashford and Liverpool's Luis Diaz, but potential financial constraints could hinder any move for Rashford. The club is currently navigating strict financial regulations imposed by La Liga, which limits their spending to match their income. This financial rule, known as the '1:1 rule,' complicates potential transfers, especially after Barcelona recently reached an agreement with Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams. Additionally, Rashford has been adapting to playing as a striker, a position he is finding increasingly natural, which could provide further opportunities for him in the future. He remarked on the advantages of playing closer to the goal, suggesting that he feels more dangerous in that role. As Rashford continues his fitness training in Spain, the future remains uncertain, but his aspirations to play alongside Yamal reflect his ambition and recognition of emerging talents in the sport.
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