Spanish media outlets have been tearing into Marcus Rashford after the Manchester United loanee squandered a golden opportunity for Barcelona in a pre-season match at the weekend
Marcus Rashford reacts after missing a sitter
Marcus Rashford has been taking flack from Spanish media outlets
(Image: Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has made a nightmare start to his Barcelona career after producing what many have dubbed "the miss of the season".
The Manchester United loanee opened his scoring account for the club with a goal during their dominant 5-0 pre-season victory over Daegu last week. However, any momentum he gained was quickly undone in Sunday's equally emphatic 5-0 rout of Como, where he shockingly missed an open goal from just eight yards out.
After a clever pass from Lamine Yamal put him through on goal, Rashford expertly rounded the goalkeeper and manoeuvred past a defender to set up a clear shot with the goal gaping. But instead of finding the back of the net, his left-footed effort drifted agonizingly wide of the post. He was hooked a few minutes later.
With Robert Lewandowski out injured, Rashford has a golden opportunity to prove to manager Hansi Flick he isn't just there to make up the numbers. But his glaring miss against Como raised serious questions about his quality, confidence, and suitability for the No. 9 role.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo insisted that "it is clear he [Rashford] is not a natural No. 9". AS, meanwhile, went a step further, blasting his "strange performance" for being strewn with "notable errors in execution, especially in his attempt to provide continuity in the play with his back to goal."
Reacting on Spanish radio programme El Larguero, pundit Jordi Marti claimed Rashford "left me cold," fuming: "The expectations I had of him in that No. 9 position have left me cold. But I've seen him do better on the wing; when he takes on the ball, he does so with power and accurate assists.
Marcus Rashford misses a glaring chance
Rashford rounded the goalkeeper, but fired his shot wide from eights yards out
"But today was an important day for him. Lewandowski will be out for the next few weeks, and these are the games he needs to take advantage of."
After falling out with United manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, made it clear he wanted to leave the club this summer, with Barcelona his preferred destination.
The Catalan giants initially pursued Nico Williams and Luiz Diaz, but when those moves fell through, they pivoted to Rashford. A loan deal was hastily agreed, including a £30million option for Barcelona to sign the 27-year-old permanently at the end of the season.
Rashford's versatility was key factor in the move, with Flick valuing his ability to contribute both at centre forward and on the wings. But he may have to wait before making his official debut, as Barcelona have yet to register him.
The registration delays are due to La Liga's Financial Fair Play regulations, which have continually posed challenges for the Catalan club. To register new signings and renew contracts, Barcelona must create sufficient salary space.
A significant breakthrough came with the resolution of the situation involving Marc-Andre ter Stegen. His back injury and initial refusal to certify a long-term absence complicated the registration of his new goalkeeping team-mate, Joan Garcia. Ter Stegen's recent agreement to sign a medical document has now cleared the path for Garcia's registration, but Rashford's remains pending.
Barcelona have until the end of August to complete player registrations for the upcoming season. This means Rashford could still be added to the squad after the La Liga opener against Mallorca this weekend, even if he doesn't feature immediately.