The stunning resurgence of Marcus Rashford at FC Barcelona hasn’t just caught fans off guard — it’s also left Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reflecting deeply. The legendary Norwegian coach, who managed Rashford during his most prolific spell at Manchester United, spoke about the English forward on the British podcast Stick to Football and couldn’t hide his blend of surprise, relief, and admiration for the player’s revival at the Camp Nou.

“I Didn’t Understand What Happened to Him”: Solskjaer Still Searching for Answers

Under Solskjaer’s management, Rashford produced some of the best numbers of his career — 55 goals and 36 assists in 135 matches.
Despite that brilliance, the coach admitted he never truly understood why the striker’s form collapsed so dramatically in his final seasons at Old Trafford.

“He didn’t seem happy here. I don’t know what happened in his life, but you can tell he’s enjoying himself again in Barcelona,” said Solskjaer, suggesting that the emotional side outweighed the tactical one.

He even compared Rashford’s energy at his peak to Erling Haaland’s, claiming that same spark had vanished toward the end of his time in Manchester.

“Is it life? Too many matches? We don’t know. But he’s found the perfect balance,” Solskjaer reflected.

For him, coaching goes far beyond tactics.

“We never know what a player is going through when he arrives at training in a bad mood. That’s part of the manager’s job — to detect when something’s wrong.”

The Rashford Solskjaer Dreamed Of… Now Wearing Barça Colors

After a difficult final stretch in Manchester — including a loan spell at Aston Villa before his permanent move to Barcelona — Solskjaer says he’s genuinely happy to see his former player back at his best:

“We just want him to do well. He’s an incredible player when he’s happy and in form.”

And the numbers don’t lie. The Barcelona version of Rashford is simply on another level:

• 6 goals and 8 assists across all competitions.
• Top assist provider in Europe’s top five leagues, tied with Luis Milla and Vitinha.
• 1.04 goal contributions per game, the highest mark of his career.

Without needing to dominate every match, Rashford has become decisive, explosive, and consistent — exactly what Solskjaer once envisioned at United, now finally realized in Barcelona.

A Rebirth Fueled by Joy and Change

In Barcelona, Rashford seems to have rediscovered the joy that once propelled him to stardom. His chemistry with Robert Lewandowski, his seamless fit in Hansi Flick’s system, and his new role as a dynamic attacking weapon have restored his place among Europe’s elite.

Maybe Solskjaer couldn’t unlock that version back in England — but now, he watches from afar, part incredulous and part proud, as the player he once believed in lives out his best footballing chapter… clad in blaugrana.