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Barcelona 'tried to bring Marcus Rashford to Camp Nou in 2019'

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 16 February 2023

Barcelona 'tried to bring Rashford to Camp Nou in 2019'

Barcelona met with Marcus Rashford's agents on three occasions in 2019 in a bid to sign the Manchester United attacker, according to a report.

Barcelona reportedly met with Marcus Rashford's agents on three occasions in 2019 in a bid to bring the Manchester United attacker to Camp Nou.

The 25-year-old has been in impressive form for the Red Devils during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 21 goals and registering eight assists in 34 appearances in all competitions.

Rashford has 12 goals and three assists in the Premier League this term, in addition to three goals and one assist in the Europa League, with Erik ten Hag's side bidding to reach the knockout round of the competition at the expense of Barcelona.

According to Mundo Deportivo, the La Liga giants attempted to sign the England international in 2019, but the forward ultimately decided to extend his contact with the Red Devils.

The report claims that Barcelona were looking for a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez and had identified Rashford as a possible signing, with the attacker only having 18 months left to run on his contract at the time.

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring their first goal on February 12, 2023 © Reuters

Officials from the Catalan outfit allegedly met with Rashford's brothers and agent on three separate occasions, but the player ultimately decided against a switch to Camp Nou.

Rashford is believed to have doubted whether a move to Barcelona would have been right at that stage of his career, and he instead decided to sign a new deal at Old Trafford.

There is again speculation surrounding the forward's future, as his current deal is due to expire in June 2024.

Man United are working to sign the attacker to a long-term agreement, but Bayern Munich and Arsenal are both believed to be keeping a close eye on the developments.

Marcus Rashford scores a disallowed goal for Manchester United on October 9, 2022 © Reuters

Rashford was linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain last summer, having found it difficult to make his mark for the 20-time English champions during the 2021-22 campaign.

However, he has been Man United's most important player this season, netting 13 goals and 15 matches in all competitions since returning to his club following the 2022 World Cup.

As well as impressing in the Premier League and Europa League this season, Rashford has also played a key role in Man United advancing deep into both cup competitions.

The attacker has five goals and two assists in five EFL Cup appearances, with the Red Devils preparing to take on Newcastle United in the final of the competition at the end of the month.

Meanwhile, the club's academy product has managed one goal and two assists in two FA Cup appearances to help Ten Hag's side reach the fifth round of the competition, where they will take on West Ham United.