Paul Pogba Delivers Bold Verdict on Marcus Rashford's Potential Barcelona Transfer
Paul Pogba has expressed his support for former Manchester United colleague Marcus Rashford as the England striker nears a transfer to Barcelona—though this perspective isn't shared by all former Old Trafford players.
Pogba featured in more matches with Rashford than any other partner during his professional career, appearing together 187 times across their six-season spell in United's senior squad. The controversial French playmaker faced his own challenges under intense scrutiny at United before departing for Juventus in 2022. Having witnessed Rashford struggle beneath the burden typically placed on homegrown talents, Pogba understood his desire to secure a loan departure.
"That's insane, but I'm pleased for him because they [United] stripped his number," the World Cup champion explained to content creator iShowSpeed, alluding to Matheus Cunha being presented as the club's new No. 10 while Rashford's departure remained incomplete. "Manchester United are sacrificing an exceptional talent. Their loss.
"It's fantastic for Barcelona honestly," Pogba added. "I'm not focusing on United, since they've acquired several fresh signings and the new coach wants to implement his vision I suppose. It's not necessarily his [manager Ruben Amorim's] responsibility. If he lacks confidence in a player. He must succeed. If he fails they'll dismiss him."
Teddy Sheringham adopted a completely contrasting viewpoint. Unlike Pogba and Rashford, the treble champion didn't emerge from Manchester United's academy system, rather joining the established English powerhouse during their golden era in the late 1990s. The former England striker displayed an unusually harsh stance when addressing Rashford's potential Barcelona transfer this week, claiming his fellow countryman "hasn't earned" such an opportunity.
"When you evaluate Marcus Rashford's position as a professional player, you dream as a youth to reach the pinnacle and represent clubs like Manchester United, and once you're there, you value it," Sheringham declared to Sky.
"You don't discard it and declare your intention to depart, I find this entire situation deeply disappointing, contrasted with my mentality in my era and how I fought for the honor to play for such a prestigious football institution.
"To witness someone speaking as he is speaking, expressing his desire to leave—I disapproved of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's behavior at Arsenal, I considered it heartbreaking, and I hope Rashford doesn't secure the transfer he's pursuing. From my viewpoint, if you move from Manchester United to Barcelona, that's an advancement he hasn't earned."