After being frozen out by Amorim and shipped off to Aston Villa on loan in January, Rashford’s Premier League comeback hopes looked bleak. Yet, after sealing another surprise loan move to Barcelona in the summer, the 27-year-old has finally rediscovered his spark, and Lineker believes he’s already proving he belongs on the biggest stage.
Barcelona’s 4–1 defeat to Sevillain their latest outing was a big setback for Flick’s side, but for Lineker, Rashford’s individual brilliance still stood out. The forward scored his first La Liga goal in the game, a confident first-time volley that reminded fans what he’s capable of. However, Lewandowski sent a crucial penalty wide that may have changed the course of the game. It was a shocking blunder that sparked questions over whether the Polish veteran should remain Barcelona’s first-choice spot-kick taker.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker didn’t hold back in his praise and said: “I’m pleased for Marcus [Rashford], I don’t think he could’ve had a much better start. I mean, admittedly, they lost this particular game, but through no fault of his, in fact, I think he was probably their best player.”
While giving his verdict on Lewandowski’s penalty miss, Lineker added: “It’s funny, I was at home and thinking ‘Let Marcus take it [the penalty], he’s a brilliant penalty taker’ and obviously Lewandowski has taken them and I always knew he would take it, but I had a feeling and then he hit it wide.
“So Marcus will be champing at the bit, to I suspect, to get that gig, but I don’t think he’ll get it while Lewandowski is there, cause strikers, however many they miss, unless they miss possibly two on the bounce, they tend to keep taking them.”
It’s been years since Rashford was a regular penalty taker. Back in 2019-20, he was United‘s go-to man from the spot, until Bruno Fernandes’ arrival changed everything. Since then, Rashford’s only taken nine penalties across five seasons, though he did briefly reclaim the role during his short loan stint at Aston Villa. His record, however, speaks volumes. Out of 24 penalties in his senior career, Rashford has buried 21; a stellar 88 per cent conversion rate. The few misses include his unfortunate effort in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy.
For Rashford, Barcelona represents redemption; a chance to prove the doubters wrong after a difficult final year at United. With Lewandowski turning 37 this season and struggling for consistency, Flick might already be considering reshuffling his attack. And Rashford’s pace, directness, and rediscovered confidence could make him the perfect replacement up front, if Barca decide to sign him on a permanent contract.
