'Man Utd wanted us to believe he was washed!' - Marcus Rashford receives love-in from Barcelona fans after 'pressing and tracking back' on debut

Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona - Preseason Friendly

Barcelona completed the loan move for Marcus Rashford from Manchester United earlier this week, and the England winger has already made his debut for Hansi Flick's side. Rashford came on as a substitute in the Catalan side's 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe in Japan, and the 27-year-old loanee has received loads of love from cules for his strong showing off the ball.

Marcus Rashford Barcelona HIC

WHAT HAPPENED?

Rashford's fallout with Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim early this year has ultimately resulted in the 27-year-old getting the ability to complete his 'dream' move to Barcelona, albeit on loan. The England international made his unofficial debut for the Blaugrana in a 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe as he came on as a substitute for Brazilian superstar Raphinha before being subbed off for Pedro 'Dro' Fernandez 33 minutes later. However, Barcelona fans are already showing Rashford the love he seemed to lack at Old Trafford over the last few years.

WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

Barcelona fan @frdrjpi wrote on X: "Rashford looks so sharp, man! It’s just the fine margins with the end product right now."

@kvng__niel added: "Who else saw Rashford pressing and tracking back? I thought United fans said he is lazy?"

@Hoeslovmitch said: "I love players like Rashford, man. They’ll always try something out and not just pass back. Excited for the new season icl."

@OlogeOluwasegun wrote: "Manchester United wanted us to believe that he was washed. Man pulled a good performance on his debut and was key to our second goal. And those passes and runs? Rashford is up for a massive season at Barca."

@maleeking_ concluded: "Rashford’s build-up play that led to the second goal."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Barcelona, who are paying Rashford his full salary and have the option to purchase him for £30.3 million next summer, have offered the 27-year-old the famous No. 14 shirt that was once worn by Johan Cruyff and Thierry Henry. In contrast to the Brazilian, who frequently slipped inside and assisted Barça in forming a box midfield to overwhelm Vissel Kobe centrally, the Englishman tended to hug the touchline.

Vissel Kobe v FC Barcelona - Preseason Friendly

WHAT NEXT FOR RASHFORD?

Barcelona will be up against FC Seoul in their second pre-season friendly of the summer on Thursday, July 31. It is possible that Rashford may have another stint on the field as a substitute as he continues to get up to full fitness after not being involved in Manchester United's pre-season.