Marcus Rashford may have made his final appearance in Spain as Manchester United assess the fallout following Barcelona’s 3-1 defeat at Valencia
Marcus Rashford has done everything he can to earn a permanent transfer to Barcelona following his final appearance on loan for the club. The forward is due for a return to Manchester United this summer after featuring in a disappointing 3-1 defeat Valencia on Saturday to sign off his temporary stint.
It’s now up to Barca as to whether they’ll stump up the £26million they’ve long known will be enough to sign Rashford permanently. However, some stinging criticism of the 28-year-old’s contribution in a limp defeat against Los Che revealed he’s still proving himself for some.
Sport‘s single-word summary to describe Rashford’s performance at the Mestalla was “tough” as it rated him a six out of 10. However, that was only the start of the scrutiny as the Catalan daily proceeded to unpack what it perceived as a lazy performance from the forward.
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“That’s the typical adjective used to describe someone who runs a lot but doesn’t finish anything,” read the rest of his review. “At Barca, you have to demand more from a winger, beyond the Englishman’s extraordinary stats.
Rashford completed 89 per cent of his passes against Valencia (32 in total), the second-highest of any Barca starter not in defence. However, he failed to register a shot at the Mestalla and completed just one dribble (one of only three Barca starters to do so).
Mundo Deportivo wasn’t quite as scathing in its own assessment of what may be Rashford’s farewell display. Instead, more stability was demanded of the Englishman after his display was dubbed “intermittent.”
The summary continued: “Lacking consistency in his play, with moments of prominence thanks to his crosses into the box, and too many minutes spent missing.”
It perhaps shouldn’t be forgotten it was only a fortnight ago Rashford scored a sensational free-kick in El Clasico to help clinch the title. That finish brought his figures up to 14 goals and 14 assists on loan at Barca.
It would perhaps be unrealistic to expect those moments every week and his numbers speak for themselves. However, just as has been the case at times for United in the past, a steadier delivery of those flash-in-the-pan moments is the desire.
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Finally, Football Espana awarded Rashford a 6.5 out of 10 and described his last outing in Barca colours as “bright at times.” However, it went on to say that “in possibly his final Barcelona appearance, Rashford was unable to make an impact in attack.”
Many have long considered the £26m permanent clause in Rashford’s contract to be a bargain fee. And his form in La Liga has only helped convince there’s value to be had by the Catalans should they desire.
However, Michael Carrick has reportedly expressed his desire to see his old team-mate back at Old Trafford this summer. And Barca’s loss may yet prove to be United’s gain now that the United icon has been confirmed as boss on permanent terms.
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