Marcus Rashford has 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances for Barcelona, which is enough output to make his loan look like more than a stopgap. It has also left the club with a real decision to make, because they still have a £26m option to buy him and he is currently set to return to Manchester United when the season-long loan ends. Anthony Gordon's comments after facing him only sharpen that picture.

Why Gordon's verdict matters

Gordon was speaking after Barcelona beat Newcastle 2-1 in the Champions League, a game in which Marcus Rashford scored a nine-minute brace in the second half. He did not sound like a player talking about a lucky spell or a soft environment. "It's a top level. Rashford scored two goals out of nowhere. It's got to be the same for us and take the opportunities when they're presented to us," Gordon said.

That line matters because it comes from an opponent who had to live through the game. Gordon also said Pedri and Frenkie de Jong were "fantastic", adding that they "controlled the game" and were the best midfield pair he has faced in that sense. He said their passing made pressing very difficult, which is the kind of detail that explains why Rashford's spell has looked comfortable on paper.

Why the deal is still not settled

The numbers point one way, but the contract situation does not. Rashford's 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances are strong enough for Barcelona to keep the option open, yet the brief also says the club are still deciding whether to buy him permanently, send him on another loan, or let him go back to Manchester United. Rashford has said, "At the end of the season we will see," which is about as clear as this has got.

That is why Gordon's praise cuts both ways. It reinforces the idea that Rashford has fitted the level and that Barcelona's style suits him. It does not turn the option into a done deal. The most sensible reading is that the move has worked well enough to justify serious consideration, but not so conclusively that the club have stopped weighing alternatives.

Rashford's future will be decided after the season, and Barcelona still have to choose between the £26m option, another loan, or sending him back to Manchester United.

FAQ

Will Marcus Rashford stay at Barcelona beyond this season?

Not yet. Barcelona have a £26m option to buy Rashford, but the brief says they are still weighing whether to keep him permanently or try another loan. He has 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances, and Rashford himself said the decision comes at the end of the season.

Why does Anthony Gordon think Marcus Rashford suits Barcelona?

Gordon pointed to the level Barcelona demand after watching Rashford score twice, saying it was 'a top level'. He also praised Pedri and Frenkie de Jong for controlling games and making pressing difficult, which helps explain why Rashford has looked comfortable in that environment.

Could Barcelona send Marcus Rashford back to Manchester United?

Yes. The brief says Rashford is currently set to return to Manchester United when his season-long loan ends. That remains part of the picture because Barcelona have not made a final call on the £26m option to buy.

Written by Daniel Hartley with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 8 outlets. How we work →