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Marcus Rashford verdict drops after Barcelona debut: 'I didn't like that'
Tom Weber
- Updated: 16 Aug 2025 22:02 BST
- 4 min read
News
Marcus Rashford endured a 'frustrating' Barcelona debut against Mallorca on Saturday night.
The Man Utd outcast has joined the Blaugrana on an initial loan deal, with the option to have his stay in Catalunya made permanent for €30 million next summer.
Joining Barcelona was a dream for Rashford, but his dream almost turned into a nightmare as the LaLiga champions were unable to register the England international right up until the day of their season opener.
Current ETV
Marcus Rashford
M, AM (L), F (C)
Barcelona
Marcus Rashford
M, AM (L), F (C)
Barcelona
ETV Range
€47M - €57.5M
Barcelona travelled to the Balearic Islands on Saturday for their first competitive game of the new season. Mallorca welcomed the domestic treble winners in a game that quickly turned into a one-sided affair.
Hansi Flick's side stormed into an early two-goal lead, thanks to strikes from Raphinha and Ferran Torres. The result became a formality when Mallorca had two players sent off within six minutes before half-time, while Raphinha himself was lucky to escape a dismissal. Lamine Yamal scored in injury time to make it 3-0.
Verdict on Rashford's Barcelona debut
Rashford came on as a substitute in the 68th minute, but his debut as a Barcelona player was dull as Mallorca naturally sat deep with nine men to avoid a lopsided scoreline.
“Rashford didn’t have the chance to play with more freedom because Mallorca were very compact at the back," Flick explained after the game, before expressing disappointment with his side's lack of vigour. "Also, the team played with less intensity, and I didn’t like that," he added.
Mundo Deportivo described Rashford's performance as 'frustrating,' writing: "An uneventful debut, with a smooth game for Barcelona. He wasn't particularly sharp and ended up frustrated."
Supporters, too, weren't impressed with Rashford's brief cameo, with one clumsy moment in particular making the rounds on social media. The 27-year-old tried to take two players on but stumbled over the ball and lost possession.
Rashford did offer glimpses of promise with his movement, but it was ultimately not a memorable debut. He created two chances and did not have a shot on target.
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