Marcus Rashford's hopes of joining Barcelona permanently at the end of the season have taken a hit after the Manchester United loanee's latest display
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford's spell at Barcelona hasn't been going to plan lately
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Spanish media have turned their fire on Marcus Rashford after another lacklustre showing for Barcelona at the weekend.
The Manchester United loanee began his season-long stint in Catalonia in encouraging fashion, but that early promise has since faded. Rashford was hooked at half time during Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Espanyol on Saturday after failing to create a single chance or complete a dribble.
While local coverage of the England forward has largely been positive, his recent downturn in form has prompted criticism across Spain. That scrutiny has extended beyond his impact on the ball to his work off it as well - an all-too-familiar theme from his spell at United.
Mundo Deportivo labelled Rashford "not focused" and "offline", adding that there were "inaccuracies and errors" in his game, "even in clearances."
AS went further, branding him a "constant source of turnovers" and someone who was just "playing along" and not doing anything positive of note. Marca questioned the decision to include Rashford in the starting line-up, while SPORT slammed his lack of success "both with and without the ball."
The criticism comes amid growing speculation that Barcelona are reconsidering whether to make Rashford's loan move permanent at the end of the season. With a return to Old Trafford seemingly off the cards - at least while Ruben Amorim remains in charge of United - the 28-year-old's future is increasingly uncertain.
Leandro Cabrera of RCD Espanyol runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Marcus Rashford
Rashford was substituted at half time after a poor performance against Espanyol
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Rashford has previously made clear his desire to stay at Barcelona. However, any deal will hinge on the club's financial situation and whether an agreement can be reached both between the two clubs and, crucially, with the player himself.
Barcelona have been walking a financial tightrope for several years, with minimal room to manoeuvre when it comes to spending on transfers and player salaries. Rashford is understood to have accepted a 25 per cent pay cut to secure his move to the Camp Nou last summer, but recent reports suggest he would be unwilling to maintain those terms should the deal become permanent.
That stance has plunged Rashford's long-term Barcelona future into some doubt, compounded by a worrying dip in form. His display on Saturday extended his La Liga goal drought to seven matches, leaving him with just one league goal since the beginning of October.
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Wigan Athletic and Manchester United at DW Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Wigan, England.
Criticism of Rashford's off the ball work is nothing new, with the forward often facing accusations of laziness at Man United
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Rashford's inclusion in Hansi Flick's starting XI had been viewed as a golden opportunity - one he has seemingly failed to seize. Flick left the likes of Fermin Lopez, Robert Lewandowski and Dani Olmo on the bench to accommodate Rashford in his favoured position on the left flank.
However, after making little impact, Rashford was replaced after just 45 minutes by Lopez, who went on to provide assists for both of Barcelona's goals.
The episode is likely to leave Rashford facing a battle to reclaim his place - and if he harbours ambitions of extending his stay beyond the end of the season, he will need to demonstrate a level of hunger and intensity that has too often been missing in recent years.