- Marcus Rashford impressed in pre-season for Barcelona, but his La Liga campaign has yet to yield a goal or an assist
- Reports in Spain suggest some at the club are already unconvinced by his performances and are considering sending him back to Manchester United
- Despite his struggles in Spain, the winger has still earned a place in England’s squad for their World Cup qualifier against Andorra
Marcus Rashford’s much-hyped move to Spanish giants FC Barcelona is already in jeopardy.
The 27-year-old forward joined the Catalan giants this summer on a season-long loan from Manchester United, with a £30 million option to buy included in the deal.
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However, just three games into his La Liga adventure, Rashford is said to be on thin ice after failing to impress with a series of lacklustre displays.
Spanish outlet El Nacional reports that Barcelona’s hierarchy are already doubting his fit, labelling his performances as “shy, imprecise, and lost” on the pitch.
Why Barca want to send Rashford back to Man United
Rashford now faces a critical challenge to turn things around and convince the club to keep faith in him before the option to cut ties is exercised.
Reports suggest Barcelona’s hierarchy are already considering whether to terminate Marcus Rashford’s loan before Christmas, a move that would force his early return to Manchester United.
Such a decision, however, would still see the Catalan club pay £4.3 million in compensation for cutting the deal short.
Rashford had been determined to secure a fresh start at the Nou Camp, seeking an escape from his struggles at Old Trafford, where poor form and behind-the-scenes tensions plagued his final months.
Barcelona only turned to the England international after failed attempts to land Liverpool’s Luis Díaz and Spain’s Nico Williams.
Hansi Flick viewed Rashford as a personal project, hoping to reignite the spark that once made him one of Europe’s brightest attacking prospects.
Despite his challenges at club level, Rashford remains in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, keeping his place for their match against Andorra.
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Rashford’s early signs at Barcelona offered hope, with sharp performances in pre-season hinting at a revival. However, his league form has failed to live up to expectations, as he remains without a goal or assist in his first three appearances.
The England forward was substituted at half-time during Barcelona’s thrilling 3-2 comeback victory over Levante, having struggled to make an impact. His first start, against Mallorca on August 23, also ended in disappointment when he was hooked at the break with the team 2-0 down.
Manager Hansi Flick turned to Dani Olmo, and the decision proved decisive. Goals from Pedri and Ferran Torres pulled Barcelona level before a late own goal sealed a dramatic turnaround for the defending champions.
Explaining the decision to sub Rashford, Flick said:
“Of course the second half we have to change something.
“Raphinha on the side is our No 11. He knows everything, what we want to do.”
El Nacional report that club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco were never fully sold on the idea of bringing Rashford in, having initially pushed hard to sign Diaz and Williams earlier in the window.
Rashford now faces a crucial few weeks to save his Barca dream or risk heading home with his reputation dented further.
Source: YEN.com.gh
Source: Yen.com.gh
