Former Manchester United forward Terry Gibson made an immediate observation after Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan.
Marcus Rashford scored another Champions League brace for Barcelona in their 6-1 win over Olympiacos, taking his goal tally to five for the season. The England international has also recorded six assists on top of that.
The United loanee fell out of favour with Ruben Amorim last season, and it doesn’t seem like he will play for the Red Devils again.
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Rashford admitted he wants to stay at Barcelona after revealing he previously held talks with the La Liga champions over a move to the club.
The 27-year-old has until the end of the season to continue impressing Hansi Flick and his coaching staff because that is when Barcelona will decide whether they want to keep the forward.
Marcus Rashford celebrates with Barcelona teammates
Photo by MANAURE QUINTERO/AFP via Getty Images
Marcus Rashford deemed ‘popular’ at Barcelona
It’s a big week for Rashford because he is preparing for his first El Clásico meeting with Barcelona.
The biggest fixture in Spain has seen players become legends for either side. Gary Lineker was the last Englishman to score for Barcelona against Real Madrid, doing so five times, including a famous hat-trick in a 3-2 win back in 1987.
While a goal against Real Madrid would boost Rashford’s popularity at Barcelona, former United forward and Spanish football expert Terry Gibson doesn’t believe Rashford had any problems settling into his new dressing room in Catalonia.
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Speaking to talkSPORT, Gibson has noticed how Rashford quickly became popular at Barcelona and how his teammates appreciate his contributions.
“And so it’s difficult. But what I noticed initially with Rashford is he was a popular teammate from day one,” Gibson said.
“You know, really his first contribution was, I think, he made a goal for Raphinha in one of the games at the training ground.
“And he came off the bench, putting a lovely cross. Raphinha tapped in at the far post. I think it was against Valencia and the players, they didn’t run to Raphinha. They all run to Marcus Rashford and Raphinha runs to Marcus Rashford. And you could see he was a good teammate. They were pleased that he had that moment in the spotlight.”
Gibson’s claims were backed up by Lamine Yamal, who was excited by the prospect of playing with Rashford before he joined Barcelona.
Gary Lineker tips Marcus Rashford to star in El Clasico
Lineker believes Rashford will be a key player for Barcelona when they take on Real Madrid this Sunday.
Rashford is expected to start for Flick’s side due to injuries in the attacking department, but his form suggests he is enjoying himself in Spain.
Lineker, who knows what it takes to score against Real Madrid for Barcelona, told The Athletic: “Marcus is a hugely gifted, talented player, and he has made an encouraging start.
“Marcus can play anywhere across the front three, but he is at his best on the left of the attack. It always takes a little bit of time to get to know your team-mates. Given the injuries, he’ll be key for Barcelona in the Clasico.”
Victory for Barcelona would be enough to lift them back to the top of the table.