Marcus Rashford impressed on his debut for FC Barcelona, despite only being on the pitch for 34 minutes.
The on loan United winger came off the bench at half-time in Japan against Vissel Kobe in Barca’s 3-1 win.
The score was tied at 1-1 but Rashford helped regain the lead for his new team.
Key role in goal
The Englishman dropped deep and picked out a wonderful through ball for Robert Lewandowski, who expertly held the ball up and laid it off to Roony Bardghji to sweep in a debut goal.
Almost a goal and an assist
Rashford almost scored himself when he was released down the left hand side but could only fire his effort right down the keeper’s throat.
He could have picked up an assist after good skill on the left resulted in him beating his man and he laid the ball off to Bardghji, who spectacularly fired over.
The Barcelona winger was subbed off in the 78th minute for Pedro Fernandez and he will be delighted with his first 30 minutes for the Blaugrana.
He was controlled in his passing, completing 88% of his passes. He also made one key pass in the match.
Rashford was spot on with his long passing as he completed both his long ball attempts, including a wonderful raking effort that set up a quick Barca counter attack early in the second half.
He did complete one interception but will be disappointed to have lost all four of his ground duels.
Barcelona employ a high press and probably one of Rashford’s biggest challenges will be how he can adapt to a high-pressing system, which he has never really excelled in.
The England international is likely to be in action again for his new side against Jesse Lingard’s FC Seoul on Thursday.
Featured image Paul Miller via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
