Rashford keen to make Barcelona stay permanent
Barcelona forward Marcus Rashford said he hopes to remain at the Spanish club beyond his loan spell from Manchester United, describing the move as the change he needed after spending his entire career in England.
Barcelona is covering Rashford's wages during this season-long loan after the Manchester-born player accepted a pay cut, with an option to buy set at around €30 million ($53.6 million).
Rashford's United contract runs through 2028, but his future at Old Trafford appears bleak after falling out with manager Ruben Amorim last year.
The 27-year-old has since rediscovered his form under Barcelona coach Hansi Flick.
"For sure," Rashford said when asked if he wanted to remain in Barcelona.
"I'm enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour."
The England international, who first revived his form during a short loan spell at Aston Villa last season, has gone a step further at Barcelona, scoring five goals and providing six assists in 12 appearances across all competitions.
Ahead of what will be his first El Clasico on Monday (AEDT), Rashford said his move abroad has given him a fresh perspective.
"People forget this, but 23 years of my life was with Manchester United. So sometimes you just need a change. I think maybe this is the case with me and I'm enjoying everything," he said.
Rashford revealed he has also been impressed by Pedri since he joined Barcelona, noting that he is one of its most influential players.
"Lots of players have lots of qualities, but probably the standouts are Lamine Yamal. And, for me, Pedri is unbelievable," Rashford said.
"I knew he was good before I played with him. But to play with him every day is unbelievable.
"Relationships on the pitch, the ones I am still learning, are very important. When it comes to the matchday, these are things which make small differences.
"They have such high quality. It's the perfect scenario to play with players like this."
In LaLiga, Pedri has played in all nine games so far, accruing the most minutes (758) of any of his team-mates.
The Spaniard also leads the way for passes (820) and successful passes (747) in LaLiga, boasting a 91.1 per cent accuracy. His 22 chances, meanwhile, have only been bettered by Madrid pair Mbappe and Arda Guler (both 23).
Rashford also highlighted Pedri's dribbling ability, with only Yamal (26/55) completing more dribbles (13/17) than the 22-year-old.
"His game understanding is clear," Rashford added. "From when he first got into the first team here, his game understanding is one of the main strengths.
"Of course, his ability on the ball is clear to see. If I had to say one thing? His dribbling. It's not surprising; his ball retention is so good, he rarely loses the ball.
"To have him in the team is a huge positive. If Pedri is playing well, there is a high chance that the team will score lots of goals."
