Manchester United fans were paying close attention to Marcus Rashford’s first minutes as a Barcelona player.
Just hours after Manchester United beat West Ham 2-1 in their pre-season friendly in New Jersey, Marcus Rashford was in action on the other side of the globe.
Rashford joined Barcelona on loan with an option to buy for £30 million next summer if he impresses. His first chance to impress came against Vissel Kobe, with manager Hansi Flick bringing on the 27-year-old as a substitute.
The United loanee lasted 23 minutes before being taken back off, but United fans on social media had plenty to say about his short cameo.
Marcus Rashford was ‘motivated’ on his Barcelona debut
After completing his loan move, Rashford promised to give maximum effort at Barcelona, something he was criticised for not doing during his final years at United.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reacted to Rashford’s debut and summed up his performance in one word – “Motivated”.
United fans on social media had mixed reactions to Rashford’s debut.
One fan wrote: “Rashford played 30 min, nervous, rushing, you can tell that he really wants to do well and try hard but sometimes you got to chill.”
Another added: “Rashford is playing like somebody that wants to stay in the bench for a long time.”
One fan posted: “Rashford just played 20 mins of Hansi Flick’s pre-season football and was panting so bad and got hooked. Welcome to Catalonia”
Others pointed out that Rashford combined well with former United target Roony Bardghji… “Rashford creates an opportunity which is finished by Roony and they don’t play for Manchester United but Barcelona.”
Ruben Amorim will be frustrated at Marcus Rashford’s ‘motivated’ debut
When Rashford was frozen out by Amorim back in December, it was because the Portuguese head coach questioned his effort in training.
There were major concerns about Rashford’s attitude, with fans growing frustrated at his lack of effort during matches.
Amorim left the door open for Rashford to return, but he first left on loan to Villa before making his “dream” move to Barcelona.
Hearing that Rashford was “motivated” on his debut will frustrate Amorim considering it is all he was asking of the United star at Carrington.
However, United have already moved on with the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. The best option for all parties is for Rashford to earn a permanent move to Barcelona so the saga can finally be over.
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