Barcelona’s new Pierre-Emericl Aubameyang? Marcus Rashford’s love for the Blaugrana is a good omen

We should be careful when drawing conclusions about former superstars who fall on hard times.

Marcus Rashford is generating hope and optimism at Barcelona because he looks like a player for whom the sun is shining again.

Environment matters. The player and the club, at any given point in time, have to be a good match for one another. When the relationship sours, regardless of who or what is at fault, it’s difficult to find a way back, making a separation the best outcome for all parties.

Manchester United is not a healthy place to play your football at the moment. I can’t think of anyone there who’s the best version of themselves, from the players to the manager. Scott McTominay left Old Trafford, and instantly became one of the leading men for Serie A champions Napoli.

For Barcelona, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang comes to mind. For all the talk at Arsenal that he was washed up, and a bad locker room presence, the Blaugrana saw the exact opposite from him during his stay with the club.

It was a fresh start, and Auba didn’t take the opportunity for granted. He quickly developed a connection with the fanbase for his fun demeanor and positivity on and off the field. He was grateful to Xavi and Joan Laporta, who brought him in, and repaid their confidence with lots of goals.

The same was true in reverse for Ousmane Dembele. Once his relationship with the boardroom deteriorated, and his reputation in the media turned toxic, there was no turning back. At PSG, however, he is enjoying life and his football again. It was simply the right fit at the right time.

For Marcus Rashford, it could be the same story.

He’s at Barcelona now because this is the only place he really wanted to be. Even when they went for Nico Williams and Luis Díaz before him, Rashford waited and remained firm.

After being stood up two summers in a row by Williams, the arrival of a player who appreciates how lucky they have it to be at such a special club, is a breath of fresh air. And it’s an attitude you can’t fake. He said it himself that he already tried to come in the winter. He has had his eyes on Barca, and this is a place he was willing to make concessions for.

We don’t know if he will be at the Camp Nou for one season or longer. It’s best to focus on the one year that’s guaranteed, and make the most of it.

Marcus Rashford doesn’t have to be the best, or even one of the best players for Barca. That takes pressure off him, something the boy wonder never experienced at Manchester United.

Under Hansi Flick, like all the other players, he just has to do his job.

The manager will be clear with his instructions. It will be up to Rashford now to prove himself with commitment day in and day out.

For now, the signs are pointing to this being a mutually beneficial short-term relationship. Fans should be excited, because Rashford gives Barcelona some firepower that could be an x-factor in the long campaign ahead.

Beyond that, much will depend on the player.

The buy option will come down to not just his performance on the field, but how badly he wants to be a Barca player when the potential contract negotiations begin, and whether money rules the day above all else.

Today, however, Rashford is a happy man, and Barcelona are a happy club.

Hopefully it’s not just a honeymoon, but the start of a strong relationship.

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