"I collaborated with Marcus Rashford - this single factor led to his exit from Man Utd"
Marcus Rashford has made a remarkable impact during his loan stint at Barcelona, netting seven goals and providing 11 assists. However, former England coach Joleon Lescott isn't surprised by his stellar performance.
In December 2025, Lescott expressed his thoughts on Rashford's success in Spain, noting that the Manchester United loanee transitioned to Barcelona after finding himself lower in the hierarchy under manager Ruben Amorim. Initially, Rashford joined Aston Villa on a temporary basis in January before sealing his loan move to Barcelona in July.
Since his arrival at the Catalan club, Rashford has received ample playing time. Coach Hansi Flick has shown confidence in the 28-year-old, placing him primarily on the left wing while Brazilian winger Raphinha was recovering from an injury. Additionally, Rashford has also been utilized as a striker, showcasing his versatility. So far this season, he has scored seven times and assisted on 11 occasions across all competitions.
While Rashford's playing opportunities might decrease now that Raphinha is back on the field, he has proven to be an invaluable asset for Flick's squad. Lescott, who previously worked alongside Rashford with the England national team, believes his current displays are entirely expected.
"I'm not shocked by his performances there," Lescott remarked during an episode of "In The Mixer," a podcast presented by Sky Bet. "I genuinely think that Marcus Rashford has the ability to elevate a good team’s performance, but he doesn’t seem to enhance teams that are merely average."
Consider this: Lescott pointed out that at Manchester United, Rashford was often expected to shoulder too much responsibility, which may not have aligned with his strengths. "The expectations at Man United were immense, asking him to fulfill multiple roles. I don't believe that's where his talent shines. However, in a well-structured team that knows how to utilize his skills, he can make a significant difference. A side that incorporates him effectively becomes stronger."
Interestingly, Lescott revealed his desire for Manchester City to sign Rashford when rumors circulated about his potential departure from United. "When those rumors surfaced — and they weren't extensive — I would have jumped at the chance to bring him to Manchester City immediately. I would have signed him on the spot," he confessed.
"While I doubt he would have made that move, he undoubtedly would have enhanced City’s lineup. Just look at what he is accomplishing at Barcelona. They’ve got Raphinha, who was outstanding last season, yet the team hasn’t diminished in quality with Rashford in the mix. He is undeniably a top-tier player."
Recently, Rashford found himself among the substitutes during Barcelona’s latest victory against Villarreal. Nevertheless, manager Flick has already highlighted the unique qualities Rashford brings to the team.
"I always make it a point to talk to every player who isn't selected for the match," Flick stated. "The last conversation I had with Rashford, he said, 'Boss, you don’t need to explain your decisions to me. What matters most is the team winning the three points. That’s all that counts.'"
"This attitude is exemplary. I am thrilled to have him in our squad. Even when he’s on the bench, it illustrates the depth and quality we possess. I can attest to his professionalism. While he needed some time to adapt initially, he is now performing at his peak level."
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