Marcus Rashford faces Barcelona transfer doubt after ‘disastrous’ display
Marcus Rashford’s prospects of securing a permanent transfer to Barcelona have come under intensified scrutiny after the Spanish media labelled his latest performance “disastrous”.
Struggles at San Mames
The Manchester United loanee was handed his first La Liga start in a month during Saturday’s narrow 1-0 victory against Athletic Club.
However, the England international failed to influence the game and was substituted after just 60 minutes.
Hansi Flick replaced the forward with Raphinha as the Catalan giants sought to break the deadlock in the Basque Country.
While Barcelona eventually secured the three points to maintain their title charge, the spotlight has fallen firmly on Rashford’s ineffective contribution.
Media criticism intensifies
Spanish outlets were unanimous in their negative assessment of the winger’s performance.
Madrid-based newspaper AS delivered a particularly withering verdict, characterising the display as “disastrous” for his future prospects.
The publication suggested Rashford is maintaining a “mediocre form of recent weeks” and questioned his long-term viability within the squad.
“The situation is quite worrying,” the report stated.
It added that the forward had squandered a golden opportunity to prove he is “not useless to the project”.
Permanent deal in the balance
Barcelona reportedly hold an option to make the loan move permanent for a fee in the region of £26m.
Yet Mundo Deportivo questioned whether the outlay is justifiable given recent output.
The Catalan outlet described the player’s showing as “stagnant” and noted he “offered nothing” in terms of creativity or accurate crossing.
The former Old Trafford regular has now gone five matches without registering a goal or an assist across all competitions.
La Liga context
Despite individual concerns surrounding the Englishman, Barcelona successfully preserved their cushion at the top of the table.
The victory keeps Flick’s side four points clear of rivals Real Madrid as the season approaches its climax.
Rashford will hope to recapture his early-season form as the club chases a domestic double.
