As Sir Alex Ferguson celebrates his 84th birthday, his unwavering belief in Marcus Rashford's Manchester United potential has come into sharp focus, coinciding with a critical twist in the forward's Barcelona future.
Ferguson's Unwavering Faith in Rashford's Talent
The legendary former Manchester United manager, who turned 84 on Wednesday, 31 December 2025, has long been a staunch admirer of the homegrown star. Despite Rashford's well-documented falling out with current United boss Ruben Amorim, which led to a loan at Aston Villa and a subsequent move to Barcelona, Ferguson has never doubted the player's innate ability.
The Telegraph reported that Ferguson told close associates he had envisioned managing the 28-year-old England international at Old Trafford. He emphasised using Rashford's skills to elevate the entire squad and was convinced he could identify the player's optimal role, believing many coaches had deployed him incorrectly.
The Barcelona Saga: Form Revival and Wage Standoff
Rashford's move to Catalonia has successfully revived his form. This season under Hansi Flick, he has contributed seven goals and 11 assists, reminding everyone of his quality. However, his long-term stay at the Nou Camp has been clouded by financial disagreements.
Initially, Spanish outlet El Nacional reported Rashford was unwilling to take a further pay cut for a permanent deal, having already agreed to a 25% reduction upon his summer arrival—an agreement that still sees him earn approximately £12.1 million annually.
In a significant development, Sport now suggests a breakthrough is possible, with the forward open to discussing a wage decrease to fit Barcelona's salary cap. This potential U-turn is likely to disappoint Sir Alex Ferguson, who has consistently maintained that Rashford's destiny was to achieve greatness in Manchester.
A Mutual Admiration Society and Tactical Insight
The bond between the two United icons is profound and mutual. Following United's 2023 Carabao Cup win, Ferguson pinpointed Rashford's best position, stating: "Well I don't think he's a striker. He operates from the left hand side which is fantastic. His finishing is always good, keeps his shots down which is really important."
Ferguson has also lavished praise on Rashford's off-field humanitarian work, notably his campaign against child food poverty. In 2021, when Rashford received the Football Writers' Association Tribute award, Ferguson congratulated him, recalling knowing him since age seven and pledging up to £2 million in matched funding for the FareShare charity.
Rashford, for his part, has openly expressed his one major career regret. In 2021, he said: "For me it was an unbelievable experience... that is probably the only regret I have ever had in my career, never having the chance to play under Sir Alex." He fondly remembers meeting Ferguson as a nine-year-old in the Carrington canteen, an encounter that fuelled his ambition.
Given this deep mutual respect, there is little question that Ferguson could have maximised Rashford's potential had their careers overlapped. That challenge now rests with Ruben Amorim, who must soon decide whether to reintegrate the prodigal talent or chart a new course, should Rashford's Spanish adventure conclude and a return to Old Trafford beckon.
