How Barcelona could line up with Rashford

Stuart Telford

• 15 Feb 2023 18:49 GMT
• 4 min read

Barcelona have been keeping tabs on Marcus Rashford for a number of seasons. How would they line up if the Manchester United man made the switch to Camp Nou?

Rashford has emerged as Man Utd's main man under Erik ten Hag this season, top scoring with 21 goals and eight assists in all competitions as well as signing a one-year contract extension in December.

But reports from Spain suggest that Barca would be interested in signing Rashford on a free transfer in 2024 - something they tried to do in 2019 before the player had a change in heart.

READ: Why Barcelona didn't sign Marcus Rashford for free

The Blaugrana are attempting to balance their books before the end of the season, so affording Rashford then might prove tricky. But how would they look if they pulled it off?

Rashford prefers lining up on the left of United's attack, rather than at No.9, which is something that would suit Barcelona perfectly.

Amid Barca's financial travails, two players have emerged as untouchable: Robert Lewandowski and Ousmane Dembele. With Lewy leading the line and Dembele hugging the right touchline, Rashford would likely get the nod on the left.

READ: Barcelona wonderkid responds to Man United links ahead of summer transfer window

Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Ansu Fati have shared playing time in the wide attacking areas this season. None has convinced as much as Dembele, and all of them could be cashed in on, with Raphinha and Ansu in particular linked with moves to the Premier League.

In midfield, Pedri and Gavi - European football's last two Golden Boys - are likely to be paired for a generation. Both have €1 billion release clauses in their contracts, and Barca would be loath to sell them.

Barcelona with Rashford?

Anchoring the midfield next season will likely be Frenkie de Jong more often than not. Long-time pivot Sergio Busquets is out of contract at the end of the campaign, and the Barca suits, if not head coach Xavi, will be happy to see his €37.5 million a year gross salary off the books.

At the back, things are final beginning to look settled, with summer arrivals Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen now fully fit. They are joined by Ronald Arauji and Alex Balde in a back four, sitting in front of Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

If they keep a clean sheet against Cadiz next Sunday, they will be statistically the best defence La Liga has ever seen, with no team ever conceding just seven goals across 22 games.