Marcus Rashford's highly anticipated debut for FC Barcelona turned into a personal nightmare, culminating in the England international being unceremoniously substituted at half-time after a performance that drew heavy criticism.
The Manchester United forward, currently on a pre-season tour with the Red Devils, was a surprise starter for the Catalan giants in their friendly against rivals Manchester City in Orlando. The unique arrangement, part of a broader collaboration between the two clubs, was designed to give players valuable minutes.
A Game of Anonymity
However, the experiment backfired spectacularly for Rashford. Deployed on the left wing, the 26-year-old was a peripheral figure throughout the first 45 minutes, failing to make any meaningful impact on the game. His performance was described as anonymous, with Barcelona's coaching staff left with no choice but to withdraw him during the interval.
His replacement, 16-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, immediately provided a stark contrast. The La Masia graduate injected pace, creativity, and directness into the Barcelona attack, highlighting just how off-the-pace his senior teammate had been.
Ten Hag's Terse Response
The incident will undoubtedly be a topic of conversation for Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. When questioned about Rashford's cameo for another club, the Dutchman's response was tellingly brief and devoid of any detailed analysis, simply stating he had "no reaction" to the event.
This awkward debut comes at a sensitive time for Rashford, who is seeking to rediscover his blistering form after a deeply disappointing club season last year. The sight of him struggling while on loan at another European giant is far from the statement he would have wanted to make ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
