Rio Ferdinand delivers Man Utd transfer reality after Marcus Rashford ‘steal’

Rio Ferdinand has abandoned any hope of Marcus Rashford remaining at Manchester United this summer and has wished him well at Barcelona FC. The England international is currently only on loan at the Catalan club for this season, though they do hold an option to make the move permanent for £26million.

Rashford, 28, drew them level against Atletico Madrid in their 2-1 comeback victory last weekend with his 11th goal of the loan spell, and Rashford has also contributed a further 10 assists for his teammates. The latest strike left Ferdinand full of admiration and prompted a conversation about his long-term future at United.

Speaking on the YouTube channel Rio Ferdinand Presents, he said: "Oh, what a goal, what a good goal, man." When asked whether he would welcome Rashford back at United, Ferdinand replied: "Absolutely if Marcus Rashford is playing like that.

"That goal there is Marcus Rashford, right? That isn't a surprise. We're not sitting here going, 'Oh my God, did you see Marcus Rashford, what he did the other day? Never knew he could do that.' No, no, that's what we expect. That's what Marcus Rashford has made us feel is the norm with him, because he's that good, potentially, he's that good, right?

"It's just that we hadn't seen it for a while at Manchester United, and there are obviously reasons behind that, but let's forget that now, that page has turned, right? He's now at Barcelona, 10 goals, 10 assists this season. What a loan signing he has been for Barcelona, if you look at it like that, and so, would you have that Marcus Rashford back? 100%, right? But I think that ship has sailed and I think Marcus Rashford is looking forwards.

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"I think deep down, he'll want to go to Barcelona, and I just hope that actually materialises for him, because I think when you look at it like that, is he playing consistently like the Marcus Rashford that we knew before? I'd argue probably not." Rashford has featured in 40 appearances across all competitions this season for Barcelona, yet barely more than half, 22, have been starts. He also played in just one of their final three matches before the international break.

Ferdinand, nevertheless, believes they ought to still sign him permanently from United this summer. He explained: "We're seeing more glimpses of it that would be making me go, 'I'll bet on that', and if I'm at Barcelona, I'll take him."

Taking into account the fixed price they must meet to complete that deal, Ferdinand believes it would represent outstanding value and equally hopes it comes to fruition for the player's own benefit. He added: "If Barcelona get him for the reported £26million that we're talking about, and they get that version of Marcus Rashford, that is an absolute robbery, it's a steal.

"So, as I said, I'll just say good luck to him, I want him to do well, you know what I mean? Because I've seen him grow as a young player at Man Utd, and good luck to him in that sense."