Marcus Rashford’s move to Barcelona raised eyebrows — but how is the former Manchester United star really performing in Spain?
The 27-year-old secured a loan move to La Liga champions Barcelona in the summer after seemingly closing the door on his time at Man United. A member of Ruben Amorim’s infamous ‘bomb squad’, he’s unlikely to play for them again.
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Barcelona have a £30 million option to buy in their loan deal, although Rashford’s wages may prove to be a sticking point should they decide to activate it. The England international will have to prove he’s worth it before the financially troubled club pull the trigger.
So, how is the forward getting on at Hansi Flick’s side?
Adapting to a new system
Rashford was brought in to help provide cover for an attacking unit that scored 94 goals and provided 46 assists along the way to a domestic treble last season. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal were arguably the best duo on the planet at the time.
With Yamal contending with a persistent groin injury, and Raphinha struggling to recreate last season’s form, Rashford has been forced to adapt quickly, and that’s exactly what he’s done.
The Englishman is averaging a goal or assist every 88 minutes on average so far this season, assisting 4 and scoring 3 in just 616 minutes, although Barcelona’s bid to retain the La Liga title has so far been underwhelming.
Flick’s system demands 120% from his players, with intense pressing and tracking back expected from the forward line. Rashford has totally embraced that, having already won possession back in the final third four times, bear in mind he only managed to do that seven times in the Premier League last season.
Rashford isn’t playing too differently to the way he did when he first came through at Man United, using his using his pace to catch opposition defenders out on the counter, excelling in one-on-one situations.
Across his eight La Liga appearances, Rashford has already had 50 touches in the opposition box, completing eight successful dribbles, creating 15 chances and nice successful crosses.
The German manager played a crucial role in pushing the club to sign Rashford after their deal for Nico Williams collapsed, citing his versatility as a potential asset to the club’s bid to finally get their hands back on the Champions League. So far, his faith is being repaid.
Fitting in with his new teammates
Rashford has seemingly made a good impression on his new teammates and is already fostering relationships with those who speak English as he continues to learn Spanish. Jules Kounde has previously revealed his first impression of the forward.
He said: “He’s (Rashford) a bit introverted, but he’s really enjoying himself, and feeling more and more comfortable. I think he is happy. He is smiling a lot. He is happy in the field. He reminds me a little of myself.
“He’s a bit introverted, but he’s enjoying himself a lot, and I think he’s feeling more and more comfortable. Everyone has welcomed him very warmly. He’s talking to everyone. I think he’s very comfortable. As I speak English, I’m trying to help him as best I can, but I think everyone is doing that.”
The man himself recently spoke to Spanish outlet SPORT about his integration with his new teammates, admitting they’ve given him a sweet new nickname. “When they’re having fun with each other, they call me ‘sweetie’,” he said.
“I don’t know what it means, but it’s funny when they talk to you like that.
“They know I’m trying to learn Spanish. I think it’s important for me to learn as soon as possible. So it’s stimulating. You’re always learning, and that’s good.”
What does the future hold?
England boss Thomas Tuchel is a big fan, recalling Rashford for his first squad while he was struggling at Aston Villa, starting him in both of their World Cup qualifiers in March against Albania and Latvia. He’s featured in every squad since then.
A place in the squad for next year’s World Cup somehow doesn’t seem as far away as it did while Rashford was at United, don’t be surprised if we see him lighting up the left wing across the Atlantic.
Verdict
It’s early days, but Rashford is proving a lot of people wrong. Throughout his career, the lack of consistency has been used as a stick to beat him with, along with the perceived uninterested looks.
Barcelona being able to pay the £30 million option is the biggest issue, but United will be even more desperate to get Rashford’s wages off their books, especially if they don’t qualify for European football for a second consecutive season.
