Barcelona are keeping a close watch on the turbulent situation surrounding Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, as the Red Devils stare down the barrel of a humiliating early exit from European competition.
The Catalan giants, always on the lookout for market opportunities, have identified the 26-year-old England international as a potential target. This interest comes at a critical juncture in Rashford's career, following a dramatic dip in form and a very public falling out with manager Erik ten Hag.
United's European Dream in Tatters
The speculation intensifies as Manchester United's Champions League campaign teeters on the brink of collapse. A disastrous 4-3 defeat to FC Copenhagen means their fate is no longer in their own hands.
Erik ten Hag's side must now secure a victory against the already-qualified Bayern Munich in their final group match and rely on other results going their way. Failure to progress would represent a monumental sporting and financial blow for the club, potentially forcing a strategic rethink in the January transfer window.
A Season of Struggle for Rashford
Rashford's own fortunes have mirrored those of his club. The academy graduate, who enjoyed a career-best return of 30 goals last season, has found the net just twice this term. His visible frustration on the pitch culminated in a heated exchange with his manager during the recent loss in Denmark.
This strained relationship, combined with the club's potential need to balance the books should they crash out of Europe, could make a once-unthinkable sale a tangible reality. Barcelona's long-standing admiration for the player adds a compelling layer to this developing story.
What This Means for the January Window
A premature Champions League exit would severely impact United's Financial Fair Play (FFP) capabilities, potentially turning them into sellers to raise funds. A high-value asset like Rashford could become a casualty of this new financial reality.
While a January move is complex, Barcelona's interest is serious and well-documented. The coming weeks, hinging on United's final European group game, will be crucial in determining the future of one of English football's most prominent stars.
