Marcus Rashford's Dilemma

BarcelonaMarcus Rashford landed in Barcelona on July 23, two days before Barça began their preseason tour. The English winger wasn't the club's first or second choice to reinforce the left flank, but he was the only one they could secure, after Nico Williams turned them down and Liverpool refused to negotiate Luis Díaz's departure. Elegant and cheerful, he said he had come to "work to adapt." Although his willingness contrasted with the skepticism that existed within the club.staffThey weren't entirely convinced that a player who hadn't quite lived up to expectations at Manchester United could succeed in the Barcelona shirt.

For many, the Rashford deal was a carbon copy of the one made two summers earlier with João Félix. Two very talented players who had stood out in their debuts, but whose form had faded over the years. Félix, who also arrived on loan, returned to Atlético Madrid a year later with his tail between his legs, having shown few strengths and highlighting many weaknesses. With the English winger, the situation is different. Having scored six goals and provided eight assists in the sixteen matches he has played, his strong start to the season – which coincided with an injury to Raphinha, the starting left-back – has served to justify his signing and open the debate within the club's management about whether it's worthwhile to sign him permanently at the end of the season. It would cost around 35 million, as established in the non-obligatory purchase option that Barça and United signed in the loan agreement.

"He has talent, he's an athlete, he's fit, and he has all the necessary qualities to succeed. It's in his hands," said an authoritative source at the club in the summer. Barça had already contacted Rashford in January, when he wanted to leave Manchester United, but the limitations in the fair play Financial difficulties made the operation unfeasible. So, Rashford left United to play on loan for six months at Aston Villa. In the summer, Barça made contact again, more out of necessity than conviction. And the answer was yes. "It wasn't possible in January, but now it is," the player said during his presentation. The agreement went through because the Englishman lowered his salary, going from €20 million gross – which would match what he earned in England – to €15 million. "He has made it clear that he is not João Félix," one of the directors points out. A similar viewpoint is held in Barça's sporting department, where they praise Rashford's "motivation and commitment" in attack, although they still see some shortcomings in his defensive game. "He still doesn't understand the game, perhaps because in England he hasn't had an environment where it's been properly explained to him," sources at the club maintain. They highlight his attacking potential but criticize him for being passive in defensive cover, whether it's obstructing passing lanes, pressing, or chasing opposing full-backs when they go for the ball. The other asterisk is his ability to link up with teammates and move around the field purposefully.

England is rubbing its eyes in disbelief at Rashford's progress

However, in England, Rashford is viewed differently. He had been criticized for a lack of commitment and professionalism, which translated into poor performances on the pitch. He's performing well at Barça, and praise keeps pouring in. "When he's fit and happy, he's an incredible player. I don't know what happened to him here [at United], but it's clear he's found his balance in Barcelona," said Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, former player and manager of the United. red devils

Due to this poor performance, his status as an England international was in jeopardy for a time. But with Barça's resurgence, Rashford not only has a place in the team, but also in the starting eleven. "In Barcelona, he needs to prove himself every three days. And he's doing that. If he's called up to the England squad, it's because he deserves it. He's fit and competitive," explained Thomas Tuchel, the Barça manager. three lionsOn Thursday, in the 2-0 victory against Serbia, he started and played 65 minutes. Usually on the left wing, although he can also play centrally or on the right, Rashford will maintain his starting role at Barça while Raphinha remains injured. After that, Flick will have to decide. "In England, he's convinced everyone. Here, we see football differently. He's doing well, but we'll see what happens in a few months. The decision will be made at the end of the season," they say in the Barça offices.