Roy Keane left eating his words as Man United learn of Marcus Rashford transfer U

Roy Keane left eating his words as Man United learn of Marcus Rashford transfer U-turn

Roy Keane held reservations about how well Marcus Rashford would do after securing a season-long loan with Barcelona this summer, but the former Manchester United captain may be left eating his words

Roy Keane may be left red-faced by his previous comments on the suitability of Marcus Rashford at Barcelona.

The Englishman fell out of favour with Ruben Amorim shortly after his arrival at Old Trafford last November, spending the latter stages of last season on loan with Aston Villa. And as Rashford remained omitted from the Portuguese mastermind's plans upon his return from the Midlands, he was eager to secure another move away from United, regardless of it being permanent or temporary.

The 27-year-old saw his wishes granted when he secured a season-long loan with Barcelona this summer, with hopes of thriving in La Liga under the tutelage of Hansi Flick. However, former United captain Keane was far more pessimistic about his chances at the Camp Nou.

Speaking about the summer transfer window on the Stick to Football podcast in August, Gary Neville said: "Last one is Marcus Rashford to Barcelona. I know it's not a big signing in terms of the Premier League but it's an amazing move for him.

"I mean, I hope he does well. I think that him leaving is a poor reflection upon the club, but also him in terms of how it's gone in the last few years. But I just hope he can get his career back on track. What a move."

However, Keane was concerned by Rashford's footballing IQ at the time, replying: "Do you reckon he's got enough football intelligence to go over there and adapt to a different league, different football, different lifestyle? Has he got that intelligence on and off the pitch to to make it work?

"He's obviously a talented boy. We know his strengths and that is running in behind. He kind of stopped doing that a little bit."

Neville then pointed out that Rashford could thrive with Barca as a result of the side's ability to dominate possession. He added: "Well I think Roy, you're in Barcelona. It's maybe because I'm thinking of Barcelona 10 years ago.

"I know it's slightly different now but they dominate a lot of games whereby they are high up the pitch and you've got teams behind the ball and you think Marcus is better when he's playing in a counterattacking system. So when you're playing in tight areas."

However, Keane then interrupted his former team-mate by adding: "That's why I think there are question marks, a little bit," as he remained unconvinced towards Rashford's suitability with the side.

It comes as Keane may be feeling a little red-faced about his past comments, after Rashford has enjoyed a flying start with his new club - who are said to be exploring the possibility of making the move permanent without paying United's £26.2million clause embedded into his contract.

It is reported that the Catalan giants will try to lower that fee as the season progresses, or even try to wangle a second consecutive loan spell for 2026/27. However, it remains to be seen as to whether United would entertain the prospect of negotiations or another temporary move away from Old Trafford.

Since making the move, Rashford has scored three goals and assisted five across all competitions. The club currently sit second in the La Liga standings heading into a two-week international break, and Rashford will hope to pick up where he left off when Barcelona return to action against Girona come Saturday, October 18.

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