Barcelona Media Give Marcus Rashford Verdict After Full La Liga Debut vs Levante

Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford made his first start in La Liga on Saturday evening as Barcelona came from two goals down to secure a 3-2 away victory against Levante. The Englishman looks set to be a regular in Hansi Flick's lineups this season as he provides valuable depth on the left wing.

But Rashford faces a crucial test under Flick’s famously strict regime, which is built around 10 non-negotiable rules. Only if he adapts his mindset and sharpens his professionalism will he have a chance of triggering the clause that could make his move permanent at the end of the 2024/25 campaign - potentially drawing a line under his fractured relationships at Old Trafford.

Now 27, he is desperate to reignite a career that once promised stardom after emerging as one of Carrington’s brightest graduates. Under new United boss Ruben Amorim, concerns over his mentality and work rate quickly saw him fall out of favour. In Barcelona, however, the mood is far more positive - supporters have embraced him, and his latest 45-minute display has already fuelled optimism that a fresh start in Spain could finally unlock the player he was meant to be.

What The Media Have Said About Rashford's Levante Display

The fact that Rashford was substituted at half-time with Barcelona trailing by two goals might lead some to assume he failed to make an impact. However, a closer look at his statistics - and the views of those watching - suggests Flick’s decision was tactical rather than performance-related.

“With two key passes and a 100% pass completion rate in just 45 minutes, Flick will be satisfied with Rashford’s performance,” wrote Barca Universal, who gave him a 6.5/10 on his first full La Liga start. They noted that while he took on defenders with confidence, his end product is still missing, and his desire to shoot needs brushing up. Flick himself also struck a positive tone after the game, as he told reporters (watch Rashford’s highlights below):

"I think Rashford proved that he has the potential to help us a lot."

Semprebarca also scored Rashford's first-half a 6.5/10, writing: "Had a few promising moments, but was one of the first players to be substituted." Meanwhile, Football Espana, who wrote: "After a bright and bustling first start as a Barcelona player in La Liga, he did not have the impacted expected, and faded as the game wore on" gave him a slightly better 7/10.

What Barcelona Fans Are Saying After Rashford's First La Liga Start

The reaction from his new supporters was equally optimistic. One X user commented: "I was very impressed with Rashford. Subbed off at half-time, but he was one of our standout players. Particularly loved his connection with Balde and how associative he was. Anyone “hating” quite clearly didn’t watch the game," while a second continued:

"Everyone trying to disrespect this performance do not have any understanding of football whatsoever. Look at the state of that low block, adjusting to that will take a minute."

"He was fine," another user remarked, "looked fresh and dynamic with the ball. His movements were good. For the player he is, I expect him to be a big weapon in big/knockout games if he somehow gets back to his best physically. From that perspective, he was good and promising."

Someone else put it plainly, writing: "He had a decent half," as a fifth wrote: "When he starts banging in those goals, people will be more appreciative - and I know it's just only a matter of time for that to start happening." Elsewhere, a sixth concluded: "He was excellent except for that one pass that nearly lead to a Levante counter.

GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Marcus Rashford scored 138 goals and registered 78 assists 426 appearances for Manchester United, making him the Red Devils' 13th all-time top goalscorer.

"Saying anything else is just piling on for the sake of it. Of course Flick hooked him because he's inexperienced in La Liga, but he showed nothing but positive signs. He'll come good, no need to overreact."

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