Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona debut was a moment he’d always dreamed of, even if many Manchester United fans believed he was already living that dream at Old Trafford.
Rashford made his first appearance for the La Liga side less than a week after joining from the Red Devils, despite not having trained with the team yet.
The Spanish press had plenty to say about the winger’s first outing in a pre-season friendly. Here’s a look at how his debut was covered across Spain.
What the Spanish media made of Marcus Rashford’s first Barcelona appearance
Rashford was subbed on for Raphinha after half-time, playing 33 minutes before being subbed off by Hansi Flick. He didn’t score or assist in the 3-1 win against Vissel Kobe.
Despite that, the forward was involved in the build-up to Robert Lewandowski’s assist for Barcelona’s third goal and also had a strong penalty shout, still managing to impress the notoriously hard-to-please Spanish media.
Mundo Deportivo noted that he showed his ability ‘from the first moment’ and made an impact without relying on his ‘towering physicality.’
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They wrote: “He didn’t score, but that was the least of it. He lived up to expectations. The English striker didn’t need to impose his prodigious physicality, his towering height. He simply displayed his class across the pitch. He did so from the first moment.”
“He was attentive to his tackles and defensive assists, one of the aspects the staff wants to strengthen. Rashford wasn’t guilty of being an individualist; he avoided it, although he did lead offensive plays.”
El Pais pointed out that while Rashford’s fitness needed some management, they still felt he put in an ‘acceptable’ performance overall. They also mentioned that any lack of consistency could be addressed during pre-season.
Ole, meanwhile, highlighted Rashford’s ‘constant runs’ down the left side and noted how involved he was in creating Barcelona’s third goal.
El Heraldo praised Rashford for helping create dangerous chances as he looked eager to make an impression from early on.
Man Utd fans saw this coming
It’s only one match, and it was against Vissel Kobe in Japan, but Rashford’s performance didn’t come as a shock to anyone who’s followed his career.
Rashford is one of the most talented forwards of his generation and always proves himself when in great shape – something he will now pursue in Spain.
Despite the nostalgia felt by some United supporters who think the Brit could recapture his form at Old Trafford, most fans know he needs fresh air to get back to his best.
He seems settled in Barcelona, has the backing of Hansi Flick and, with more game time under his belt, there’s every reason to believe he’ll keep improving.
For United, the best outcome now would be for Barcelona to activate the buy option next summer and bring some closure to the chapter.
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