Marcus Rashford opened a new chapter in his career by joining Barcelona on loan earlier this summer.
After falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, Marcus Rashford was sent on loan to Aston Villa, but his campaign ended prematurely due to injury.
Rashford made 17 appearances for Villa, scoring four goals and registering six assists before returning to Carrington, where Amorim informed several outcasts they would not be part of pre-season preparations.
This meant Rashford trained at Carrington on his own, away from United’s first-team group, but he eventually joined Barcelona on a season-long loan.
Rashford joins a Barcelona squad full of attacking talent and he will have his work cut out to earn a starting role under Hansi Flick.
There is no denying that Lamine Yamal is Barcelona’s star player, but they also have Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski, who will both make it difficult for Rashford to break into Flick’s line-up.
Still, it’s an opportunity for Rashford to play for another club respected throughout the world. The England international will be trying to rejuvenate his career in Spain like Antony managed to do at Real Betis last season.
Rivaldo warns Marcus Rashford after Barcelona move
Barcelona and Brazil icon Rivaldo has spoken out about Rashford’s loan move to the Nou Camp.
Rashford has made two appearances in pre-season since announcing his temporary switch to Barcelona.
The 27-year-old could join Barcelona on a permanent deal if they activate their option to buy him for £26 million.
Rivaldo, who won the Ballon d’Or award in 1999, recently gave his verdict on Rashford’s move.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, Rivaldo said: “He has everything to excel, and even more so with the great coach he’ll have at his side, that’s going to help him a lot in his development.
“Being a different league than the English one, I think he’ll have more opportunities, more chances to showcase his game and achieve something big there.
“He’s a great player, without a doubt, and I think he’ll excel.”
However, Rivaldo’s blessing does not come without a warning for Rashford. He urges the English forward to be patient as he will be joining one of Europe’s best attacks.
“Barcelona had a great season last year, so it’s normal that he’ll start on the bench,” Rivaldo added.
“But I think that, little by little, he’ll get into the swing of things, understand how the coach wants the team to play, how the dynamics work in training, and adapt.
“Over time, he’ll earn his place.”
Rivaldo also spoke about Rashford’s competition for a place on the left flank, after Raphinha had an outstanding season last term, scoring 34 goals and registering 25 assists.
“For me, Raphinha is among the five best players in the world today.
“I don’t see any possibility of him leaving Barcelona’s starting eleven.”
Rashford’s fierce competition at centre-forward
Flick could also use Rashford as a centre-forward, but there is already fierce competition in that department at Barcelona.
It includes main man Lewandowski and his back-up – from last season – Ferran Torres.
This means it won’t be an easy task for Rashford to become a starter at Barcelona.
Yamal, 18, will be operating the right flank in Barcelona’s attack.
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