Marcus Rashford faces huge reality Manchester United couldn't offer him after Barcelona transfer

Marcus Rashford faces huge reality Manchester United couldn't offer him after Barcelona transfer

Manchester United transfer news as Marcus Rashford faces the most important 12 months of his career at Barcelona

Marcus Rashford has landed on his feet at Barcelona (Image: Getty Images)

Just days after completing his dream move to Barcelona, Marcus Rashford put on the famous blue and red colours for the first time over the weekend.

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After leaving Manchester United on loan for the second time in seven months, the 27-year-old has 10 months to showcase his ability, talent and work-rate to give him the best chance of being involved in next summer's World Cup.

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Rashford was given his first run-out for the Catalan giants against Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Sunday. He came on at half-time and lasted 33 minutes before Hansi Flick took him off, a decision based on his lack of pre-season training prior to the game.

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"He's week behind the others," he said. "He hasn't been training as much with the ball, and we want to look after him. It was a very good match, a good test for us.

"The first 30 minutes were fantastic. After that we lost a bit of control, but the second half was also very good. I'm pleased. What they do with the ball, how they pressed us, it’s really interesting. You can tell they have a clear idea, and it’s similar to ours."

Barcelona play FC Seoul and Daegu FC in South Korea before returning to Spain to conclude their pre-season. After winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Supercopa de Espana last term, Blaugrana are looking to retain their titles as well as win the Champions League.

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Rashford goes into a team littered with talent. Joining the United loanee in attack is Robert Lewandoski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and Roony Bardghji. There's not many teams in Europe who boast a forward line with that many options.

That being said, the United academy graduate must also up his game if he wants to secure a permanent move away from his boyhood club next summer. Barcelona have the option to make the deal a permanent one, but the England international knows he has to perform near his best.

The deal in general is quite a bizarre one. Not often in football does a club on the back of their worst season in 51 years let a talented senior player leave, on loan, one of Europe's best. For Rashford, it's a superb deal but for United, it could be a harsh reality.

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Looking at the player's situation, there's more chance of it being a success than not. Should he help Barcelona retain their league title and compete in Europe while also recording impressive statistics on an individual level. The reality is, he's gone from playing in an under-performing United team to being shunned out, made to play elsewhere, to now being at one of Europe's best.

For United, there was no other choice. They had to sanction his exit. But if Rashford proves himself in Spain, they will be left red-faced, especially when you consider all eyes are on which striker will be brought in to help Ruben Amorim's side.

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