The summer transfer window will see Barcelona make a decision on whether to sign Marcus Rashford permanently, following his loan from Manchester United
Barcelona beat Levante 3-0 on Sunday, but Marcus Rashford didn’t get a kick. The on-loan Manchester United star missed the previous games against Atletico Madrid and Girona through injury and wasn’t risked from the bench as Hansi Flick led his team to a comfortable victory.
Even so, there are areas where a fit and firing Rashford might have made it an even more handsome victory. The goals were scored by Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong and Fermin Lopez, with neither Raphinha nor Robert Lewandowski, who was withdrawn midway through the second half, providing a goal or an assist.
While Barcelona are yet to officially exercise their option to sign Rashford on a permanent basis, the clues are beginning to appear. Not only has Flick spoken highly of the England international, but Rashford has also reportedly banked £8.5million by cashing out dividends from his businesses – behaviour that could indicate he’s preparing to leave the UK.
Even on a day when Rashford wasn’t needed on the pitch, the case for a permanent swoop was being made. Here’s what the Spanish media said after Barca’s win.
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Mundo Deportivo
The stars of the show were defenders and midfielders, with winter arrival Joao Cancelo impressing alongside midfield scorers Bernal and De Jong. However, Mundo Deportivo recognised the absence of goals from an often-prolific attack.
“Barca didn’t need to shift into high gear, and their forwards failed to find the net,” they wrote. “Lamine [Yamal] was well marked by Manu Sanchez (as he was when he played for Alaves), but he showed flashes of brilliance, as did Raphinha, [Dani] Olmo, and Lewy (Lewandowski). However, the forwards need goals to thrive.”
In the coming weeks, Barcelona may need to make full use of their attacking options. That means the likes of Rashford and Ferran Torres will likely have responsibilities – sometimes even from the start – as the fixtures come thick and fast.
Sport
Barca’s strength in depth was also Sport’s focus. The publication believes that’s where the title should be won and lost, even if it was others, rather than Rashford himself, who demonstrated that quality on Sunday.
“Flick’s team, who have a plan, play more and better, have a more balanced squad, don’t depend exclusively on two or three players, and are the current champions,” their report read. “In short, the Blaugrana, under any circumstances, would be the clear favourite to repeat as champions.”
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The same publication pointed to what it sees as controversial refereeing decisions going the way of rivals Real Madrid but has confidence this can make Flick’s side stronger. “This reality, the one Barça has had to live with throughout its existence, has also forged its character and, of course, its style of play,” they continued.
“That’s why when they win, they win big, and that’s why the Champions League title has always been accompanied by the league title. It’s unfair, but that’s how it is. And yet, there are matchdays, like this weekend’s, when everything, well organized, falls into place.”
Marca
Yes, it was a win for Barcelona and a handsome one at that, but Marca recognised the continued lack of goals from those paid to deliver at the sharp end. Interestingly, it was the third consecutive match in which no Barcelona forward scored: they failed to find the net against Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey, and [Pau] Cubarsí scored the only goal against Girona,” their report read.
That’s not to say there weren’t chances. On another day, one of the front three could easily have made it onto the scoresheet, were it not for some profligate finishing and sharp saves from Levante keeper Mat Ryan.
Still, some might be tempted to point to the fact that one constant from those matches is the absence of Rashford from the pitch. It will be interesting to see how he is used against Villarreal on Saturday.
AS
Cancelo was the star of the show for AS as well. However, the form of the defender – in his second spell at Camp Nou – also emphasised some below-par performances elsewhere.
“Cancelo’s cross gave the home side the lead after just four minutes, thanks to Bernal, who was thus solidifying his place in the starting lineup,” their report read. “Cancelo also provided the assist for De Jong’s second goal in the 32nd minute.
“In between, the Portuguese full-back repeatedly delivered dangerous crosses into the box, but it seemed Lewandowski, once again, wasn’t having his best day. Then Ferran, as usual, failed to improve on the Polish striker.”
Barcelona may well look to spend big on a new striker this summer if they decide against renewing Lewandowski’s contract. However, Rashford himself may have a chance to audition in a central role in the coming weeks.
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