As Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Barcelona continues to tick down, one Champions League pundit has pointed out a huge change within the Manchester United academy graduate
Former Premier League star Stephen Warnock believes Marcus Rashford’s personality and character has changed for the better at Barcelona. In his final 18 months at Manchester United, Rashford’s time at Old Trafford was marred by off the field situations and a falling out with former boss Ruben Amorim.
When his opportunities were blocked by the Portuguese boss, Rashford secured a dream move to the Camp Nou and has impressed during his time with the Catalans. While his side were beaten 2-0 at home in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie against Atletico Madrid, Rashford was impressive, finding the net only to be marginally ruled offside.
He was Hansi Flick’s side’s most dangerous player, recording four shots on target, more than any other player on the pitch. But the biggest change Warnock spotted was the fact he was willing to take on his opposition full-back and beat him at will, which may go some way to convincing the club to sign him from United permanently.
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Warnock, speaking on the BBC Champions League highlights show, said: “He’s just a brilliant player isn’t he? I think what he’s done since he’s gone to Barcelona is, he’s found his form.
“I think he’s found a happy place where he’s enjoying his football. I actually think he should do better in this position when it comes to him, with that acceleration.
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“His touch just gets caught under him ever so slightly. The strike isn’t quite as clean but his movement is brilliant at the moment. What you want from a winger, on the opposing side, is to get in the box and get opportunities.
“Maybe he can take that down, but he’s so confident in himself that he wants to take that shot on first time. Again, arriving at the back post, great goal,[later ruled out] and that’s exactly what you’re after. Hansi Flick will be delighted with that.
“When you’re a full-back, and you’re playing against someone who has pace, who can time his runs well and know he can use that pace, he’s so dangerous in behind. Maybe he could show a little bit more composure, but that confidence he’s got in himself, he’s taking everything on.
“He’s playing alongside (Lamine) Yamal, and you’re thinking, he’s the one over free-kicks, he’s the one trying to be in the ascendancy, on the front foot, taking people on. I think you can see a huge change in character, in personality, in confidence from an outstanding footballer.
“I think from Thomas Tuchel’s point of view, I think it’s the best thing that’s happened for him this year. It gives him another option in forward positions going into the World Cup.”
Considering his display in Catalunya, Rashford will be one of his side’s biggest hopes, when it comes to overturning the two-goal deficit.
It also remains to be seen whether Barcelona decide to take up their option to sign him permanently from United at the end of the campaign.
They have until June 15 to activate a release clause in his deal which would enable them to sign him for around £26m from United.
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