Roy Keane could be left red in the face following his earlier remarks about Marcus Rashford’s prospects at Barcelona. The England international found himself frozen out by Ruben Amorim shortly after the Portuguese manager’s arrival at Old Trafford last November, spending the final months of last campaign on loan with Aston Villa.
With Rashford continuing to be overlooked by Amorim’s tactical blueprint following his return from the Midlands, the forward was desperate to engineer another departure from United, whether on a permanent or temporary basis. The 27-year-old got his wish when he sealed a season-long loan switch to Barcelona this summer, harbouring ambitions of flourishing in La Liga under Hansi Flick’s guidance. Nevertheless, former United skipper Keane harboured serious doubts about his prospects at the Nou Camp.
During discussions about the summer transfer window on the Stick to Football podcast in August, Gary Neville remarked: “Last one is Marcus Rashford to Barcelona. I know it’s not a big signing in terms of the Premier League but it’s an amazing move for him.
“I mean, I hope he does well. I think that him leaving is a poor reflection upon the club, but also him in terms of how it’s gone in the last few years. But I just hope he can get his career back on track. What a move.”
However, Keane expressed doubts about Rashford’s adaptability, questioning: “Do you reckon he’s got enough football intelligence to go over there and adapt to a different league, different football, different lifestyle? Has he got that intelligence on and off the pitch to make it work?
“He’s obviously a talented boy. We know his strengths and that is running in behind. He kind of stopped doing that a little bit.”
Neville countered by suggesting that Rashford could flourish at Barcelona due to their possession-dominant style of play, stating: “Well I think Roy, you’re in Barcelona. It’s maybe because I’m thinking of Barcelona 10 years ago.
“I know it’s slightly different now but they dominate a lot of games whereby they are high up the pitch and you’ve got teams behind the ball and you think Marcus is better when he’s playing in a counterattacking system. So when you’re playing in tight areas.”
Keane, however, remained sceptical, interjecting with: “That’s why I think there are question marks, a little bit,” as he continued to express doubts about Rashford’s compatibility with the team.”
Keane may be left somewhat embarrassed about his remarks in the near future, given Rashford’s impressive start at his new club – who are reportedly considering making the move permanent without triggering United’s £26.2million clause included in his contract.
Reports suggest that Barcelona will attempt to negotiate a lower fee as the season unfolds, or even secure a second consecutive loan spell for 2026/27. However, it’s unclear whether United would be open to further discussions or another temporary departure from Old Trafford.
Since his move, Rashford has netted three times and provided five assists in all competitions. The club currently holds second spot in the La Liga table as they head into a two-week international break.
Rashford will be keen to continue his good form when Barcelona resume their campaign against Girona on Saturday (October 18).