The fury is still out on whether Marcus Rashford will complete a permanent transfer from Manchester United following a "tough" final outing for Barcelona
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Real Madrid at the Camp Nou
Marcus Rashford's transfer future remains in doubt after a difficult final outing for Barcelona(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford has done all within his power to secure a permanent switch to Barcelona following his final outing on loan for the Catalan giants. The forward is set for a return to Manchester United this summer after appearing in a deflating 3-1 loss to Valencia on Saturday.
The ball now rests in Barca's court as to whether they'll fork out the £26million they've long understood will be sufficient to sign Rashford permanently. Yet some scathing assessment of the 28-year-old's input in a lacklustre defeat against Los Che suggested he's still proving his worth to some.
Sport's one-word summary of Rashford's display at the Mestalla was "tough" as it awarded him a six out of 10. Yet that was merely the beginning of the scrutiny as the Catalan publication went on to dissect what it viewed as a lethargic showing from the forward.
"That's the typical adjective used to describe someone who runs a lot but doesn't finish anything," read the rest of his review. "At Barca, you have to demand more from a winger, beyond the Englishman's extraordinary stats."
Rashford completed 89 per cent of his passes against Valencia (32 in total), the second-highest of any Barca starter not in defence. However, he failed to register a shot at the Mestalla and completed just one dribble (one of only three Barca starters to do so).
Mundo Deportivo was not quite as cutting in its own verdict on what could prove to be Rashford's farewell performance. Instead, greater consistency was called for from the Englishman, whose display was branded "intermittent."
The summary continued: "Lacking consistency in his play, with moments of prominence thanks to his crosses into the box, and too many minutes spent missing."
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona puts pressure on Cesar Tarrega of Valencia CF during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Valencia CF and FC Barcelona at Estadi de Mestalla
Rashford failed to impress in a shock 3-1 loss at Valencia(Image: Getty Images)
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It's worth remembering it was only a fortnight ago Rashford netted a stunning free-kick in El Clasico to help seal the title. That strike against Real Madrid brought his tally to 14 goals and 14 assists during his loan spell at Barca.
Expecting such moments week in, week out would be unrealistic and his statistics undeniably speak for themselves. Nevertheless, similar points have occasionally been the case at United in years gone by as more consistent delivery of those sporadic flashes of brilliance remains the ultimate goal.
Finally, Football Espana handed Rashford a 6.5 out of 10 and described his last outing in Barca colours as "bright at times." However, it went on to say that "in possibly his final Barcelona appearance, Rashford was unable to make an impact in attack."
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The £26m permanent clause in Rashford's contract has long been viewed by many as a steal. And his performances in La Liga have only served to strengthen the belief there is real value to be had for the Catalans should they wish to pursue it.
However, Michael Carrick has reportedly made clear his desire to welcome his former team-mate back to Old Trafford this summer. And Barca's loss could yet prove to be United's gain, now that the Old Trafford icon has been confirmed as permanent boss.