Marcus Rashford’s Potential at Barcelona
Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United defender, has shared his thoughts on Marcus Rashford’s potential move to Barcelona. While he believes the England international could succeed at the Catalan club, he also warns that Rashford may not start many games for his new team.
Rashford has been sidelined from the first team by Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim since December, and it now seems likely that he will leave the club permanently. Reports suggest that Barcelona have reached an agreement to sign the 27-year-old on loan with an option to buy. If the buy-out clause is exercised, it would mark the end of Rashford’s 20-year career at Old Trafford.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Rashford has accepted a small pay cut to make the move possible, with Barcelona covering his entire salary. The buy-out clause is reportedly set at €30 million. This deal has sparked interest in Rashford’s future, especially after he expressed his dream of playing alongside young talent Lamine Yamal.
However, there is no clear path into Barcelona’s starting XI for Rashford. He could potentially replace Robert Lewandowski, who is still in top form despite turning 37 this summer. Rashford’s best position has been on the left side of attack, but he faces stiff competition from Raphinha, a Ballon d’Or frontrunner who recorded 59 goal contributions in 57 appearances last season.
In a recent YouTube video, Ferdinand discussed what Rashford needs to do to succeed in La Liga. He emphasized that Rashford must adapt his game to fit the demands of the Spanish league. “Where’s he going to play? He’s got to fight his way into this team,” Ferdinand said.
Ferdinand also noted that Rashford’s performance over the past few years has changed. “He hasn’t produced the Marcus Rashford that we first saw running in behind, aggressive runs, finishing things, shooting from crazy angles, assisting goals etc.”
While Rashford has become more comfortable with dribbling, Ferdinand believes that what made him dangerous was his willingness to run behind defenders. “He’s magic at that when he gets that right and when he’s consistent with that.”
Despite the challenges, Ferdinand thinks Rashford could be a valuable asset for Barcelona. “He could be that difference for this Barcelona team. Raphinha doesn’t mind running in behind, but he does like it to feet. Lamine Yamal would rather get it to feet and dribble. And Lewandowski is not someone who can run in behind as much anymore. He’s more of a target man, great finisher.”
Ferdinand added that while Rashford may not start regularly, he could have a significant impact as a substitute under manager Hansi Flick. “Where he fits in won’t be is he going to start, it’s what’s the difference that he makes? I think Flick will be wanting that as well, ‘Give us something different to what we’ve already got’.”
With Raphinha on the left, Lewandowski up front, and Lamine Yamal on the right, Rashford may not automatically start in the team. However, Ferdinand believes he could make a big impact if given the chance. “He doesn’t have to go in there and displace anybody. He’s got to go in there and add value to this team. Take them from where they finished last season, where they won the league, got to the semi-finals of the Champions League and go one better.”
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