Barcelona’s revered manager, Xavi, has singled out Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford as one of the most formidable players his team has faced on the pitch, according to a report by GOAL. Speaking openly about the challenging opposition his team has encountered during his tenure, Xavi mentioned Rashford, along with Vinicius Jr. and Karim Benzema.

 

In a recent interview with Mundo Deportivo, Xavi openly recognized the threat posed by Rashford, stating, “(Marcus) Rashford caused us a lot of trouble. Vinicius (Jr.) and (Karim) Benzema as well.” This acknowledgment comes after Rashford’s standout performance against Barcelona in the Europa League last season. The English forward scored a crucial goal at Camp Nou during the first leg of the knockout stage playoffs, significantly contributing to Manchester United’s 2-2 draw. Ultimately, United secured their advancement with a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford in the return leg.

 

In his final season at Real Madrid, Benzema also made a lasting impact on Barcelona’s defense, scoring five goals, including a crucial hat-trick in the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg. While Vinicius Jr. scored fewer goals against Barcelona, he remained a consistent threat for Xavi’s team.

 

As Barcelona prepares for their upcoming Champions League encounter against Porto, Xavi’s acknowledgment of Rashford’s prowess underscores the Englishman’s influence on the pitch. Rashford’s ability to trouble one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs highlights his skill and determination, leaving fans eager to witness more remarkable performances from the young forward.

 

Under Xavi’s guidance, Barcelona faces the challenge of containing dynamic talents like Rashford as they continue their pursuit of success in both domestic and European competitions.