‘Raphinha has already sent Marcus Rashford no-nonsense Barcelona message’
Marcus Rashford has already been warned of what to expect from Barcelona as the Man United star finally appears set to seal his move away.
The 27-year-old has been added to Ruben Amorim‘s “bomb squad”, alongside Antony, Jadon Sancho, Tyrell Malacia, and Alejandro Garnacho, having spent the second half of last season at Aston Villa.
Rashford was an instant success at Villa, with many fans begging the club to bring him back permanently this summer, but that no longer appears possible for Unai Emery’s side in the Premier League.
According to David Ornstein, via X (19 July), Hansi Flick’s side are advancing in a deal to sign United’s academy graduate, with an offer being made of a season-long loan plus a buy option.
While the Red Devils have agreed to the transfer, a deal has not yet been completed. However, it is in its final stages, with the signing suiting the La Liga giants on a football and financial level.
Raphinha not scared of Marcus Rashford competition
If Rashford is to make the right impression at the Nou Camp next season, he will need to put behind him the criticism from Amorim, especially after the manager admitted he would sooner play a 63-year-old coach.
He can certainly make a positive start by listening to former Leeds United star, Raphinha, who, when speaking to Mundo Deportivo back at the end of May, said: “I don’t care about anything [Rashford, Luis Diaz links].
“Given the importance I’ve had this season, I’m not going to say I’m an undisputed player, but whoever comes in will have to work harder than me. For me, the important thing is that whoever comes in works well and helps the team.”
The England international will head to La Liga with a huge point to prove, especially with Amorim under serious pressure at Man United already, despite being in charge for just eight months.
Ruben Amorim under pressure at Old Trafford
Should Rashford live up to everything that Raphinha is asking from new signings this summer, the finger will naturally be pointed back at Amorim, who is being judged on his every movement by the fans.
Some supporters are already questioning the decision to ship the forward away again as he continues to work hard behind the scenes, even if he has been banned from pre-season training with United.
He notched four goals and five assists in 17 appearances for the Villans last season, which was before he picked up a season-ending injury, but those at Villa Park quickly fell in love with the player.
With 34 goals and 22 assists across all competitions last term, Raphinha has left Rashford with a huge battle on his hands should the move to Spain go through, but he will be up for the challenge.
Fans at the Nou Camp took a while to come around to the Brazilian winger, though that is unlikely to be an issue for the United man. He just needs to keep his head up and look forward; his talent should do the rest.