'He's got an amazing agent' – Steve McManaman calls Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona switch an 'incredible move'

NEW YORK - With a hearty chuckle, Real Madrid and England legend Steve McManaman said Marcus Rashford has an "amazing agent" after securing a loan move to Barcelona earlier this season.

The 27-year-old spent the second half of the 2024-25 Premier League season on loan from Manchester United at Aston Villa, trying to rediscover his form after 18 months of stagnation under three different managers at United. With the Blaugrana, McManaman has tipped him for success and a return to the national team - but stressed it all starts with making a strong first impression under Hansi Flick.

"Well, it's certainly important that he hits the ground running," McManaman said at an ESPN event ahead of the La Liga season. "I thought it was an incredible move for him, to be very honest. The last couple of seasons with Manchester United, the way Manchester United performs… for him to leave and go to one of the most exciting teams in Europe - he's got an amazing agent.

Last season, Barcelona lifted their 28th La Liga title off the back of 102 goals, powered by the front line of Raphina, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal, along with Ferran providing cover. McManamin is intrigued to see where Rashford will make his mark. 

"Where he’s going to fit in, though, I don't know, because Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal have had the most incredible season. So you'd think that’s set in stone. You’ve got Ferran behind them, and they’ve moved a couple of players out," he emphasized. 

The move caught the footballing world by surprise when it was announced - not only because of Barcelona’s already stacked attack, but also due to how quickly the deal came together at a time when few expected the club to add more firepower up front.

"When you look at Barcelona's team, they probably need a couple more defenders, because Lenglet is gone and Iñigo [Martínez] just left. So you’d think they’d want some reassurance at the back, but instead they’ve gone and brought in yet another forward. So we’ll wait and see. He’s played a number of times already - the other day he came on and scored. He’s featured in other games too, so we’ll wait and see," the ESPN broadcaster said.

Still, McManaman is hoping Rashford will raise his game for the Catalan club.

"I want him to be a success. I know him, and I hope he does really well - because if he plays, it benefits everybody," he said. "But whether he’ll start ahead of Raphinha is another question. He could play as a No. 9. Lewandowski picked up injuries a few times last year, so I presume that’s an option. We’ll see on Saturday when Mallorca face Barcelona. If everyone’s fit, the strongest side will be out there, and we’ll know more."

Barcelona are aiming to repeat in La Liga for the first time since the 2018 and 2019 campaigns. In addition, they are hoping to end their drought in the Champions League, where they last won in 2015. 

Barcelona start their title defense this Saturday when they travel to face the Steve Nash, Stu Holden, and Andy Kohlberg-owned Mallorca. Rashford's status up in the air for the match. If the Blaugrana can manage to find a way to add him in time, he could make his competitive debut for the club in their season opener.