Marcus Rashford made his first appearance at Camp Nou on Sunday, as Barcelona wrapped up their pre-season schedule.
The only major departure from Manchester United this summer has been Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona. The 27-year-old forward had struggled to fit into Ruben Amorim’s plans and decided a fresh start in Spain was the best option.
Rashford has settled in well since arriving in the Catalan club, finding the net against Daegu during the pre-season tour in Asia last week.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta is said to be pleased with what he has seen so far. With just a week left before the new La Liga season kicks off, Rashford is already making a case for a starting role under Hansi Flick.
Marcus Rashford draws praise in Spain after performance against Como
United wrapped up their pre-season with a penalty shootout win over Fiorentina, choosing to finish their summer preparations back at Old Trafford.
Barcelona pulled a similar move, heading back to the Estadi Johan Cruyff to face Cesc Fabregas’ Como, and secured a convincing 5-0 win.
Rashford did not find the net but set up Raphinha for one of Barcelona’s five goals. He missed a clear chance and had a few moments to forget, but his performance appeared to satisfy media and fans alike.
Mundo Deportivo described Rashford’s performance as “mobile,” noting how he drifted from his central position out wide to stretch the Como defence.
The outlet wrote: “On paper, he started in the centre, but dropped to the wing to open up the opposing defence. He received the ball twice inside the box, lacked instinct, missed a clear chance, but set up Raphinha for the third.”
Football Espana rated Rashford’s performance an 8/10 and highlighted his role covering for Robert Lewandowski: “The prime candidate to cover for the injured Robert Lewandowski in the opening weeks of the season. Left the Como defenders for dust to tee up Raphinha.”
Marcus Rashford expected to start for Barcelona
Rashford knew he was walking into a crowded dressing room at Barcelona, with plenty of competition for minutes.
Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have the wide positions locked down, while Robert Lewandowski remains the focal point up front when fit.
Before making the switch, Rashford had already said he was open to playing through the middle, even though that role never fully suited him at United.
A few strong showings in pre-season had already pushed his case forward, and with Lewandowski now sidelined again, Rashford is almost certain to get the nod next week.
Barcelona open their campaign away to Mallorca on Saturday evening, and Rashford is expected to be alongside Yamal and Raphinha in what should be a strong attacking trio.
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