Marcus Rashford’s 28th birthday came with more than just celebration — it came with a statement. The English forward, now rediscovering his spark at Barcelona, marked the occasion with a bold message that hinted at rebirth, resilience, and perhaps a subtle jab at his Manchester United past.
From United hero to Barcelona rejuvenation
Once hailed as the poster boy of Erik ten Hag’s resurgent 2022–23 campaign, Rashford was the embodiment of Manchester United’s hope. That season, he amassed an astonishing 42 goal involvements in 56 appearances, becoming one of Europe’s most electric forwards.
But what followed was an alarming decline. From the start of the 2023–24 season to his departure in December 2024, Rashford managed just 24 goal contributions in 67 matches. His struggles mirrored the inconsistency and disarray surrounding United — both on and off the pitch.
However, since his loan move to Barcelona, the Englishman appears to have rediscovered the hunger that once made him unplayable. In just 13 appearances across La Liga and the Champions League, Marcus Rashford has already tallied 12 goal involvements, including four goals in Europe, signaling a powerful resurgence.
‘The Resurrection’: A message that speaks volumes
Rashford’s 28th birthday post quickly grabbed attention online. Sharing an image featuring the number 28 emblazoned on a wall alongside a Blaugrana-themed cake, the forward captioned it:
“Chapter 28 🎈🎊 The Resurrection ✌🏾”
The message was simple yet striking — a reflection of a player ready to rebuild his story, one goal at a time. After an 18-month slump that saw his confidence and consistency evaporate, Marcus Rashford seems determined to prove his critics wrong in Spain.
Marcus Rashford breaks silence on Manchester United struggles
The former Manchester United talisman didn’t shy away from addressing his past frustrations. Speaking candidly about his turbulent final months at Old Trafford, Rashford offered insight into what went wrong.
“I feel like I have been in an inconsistent environment for a very long time, so it is even more difficult to be consistent,” he said.
His comments didn’t sit well with everyone, particularly former United captain Roy Keane, who didn’t mince words in response.
“Towards the end of his time at United, there was obviously issues. He was part of the problem with the environment, especially [being] one of the most experienced players at United. He should have been setting the standards and showing new people at the club what it's like to be a United player,” Keane remarked.
Marcus Rashford’s fresh start at Barcelona seems to be reigniting his confidence and competitive edge. Under Xavi’s tactical system, he’s thriving as a versatile attacking threat, linking up seamlessly with the club’s young core.