Rashford secured a dream move to Camp Nou when his chances were curtailed by the Portuguese manager, and he shone during his time with the Catalans. In the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Atlético Madrid, Rashford suffered an outstanding 2-0 home defeat, with Rashford scoring the ball after a narrow offside ruling. He was the most threatening player in Hansi Flick’s team, having four shots on target, more than any other player on the pitch.
But Warnock’s most notable change is the winger’s apparent willingness to take on opposing full-backs and bring them down at will, which could go a long way in convincing the club to sign him from United on a permanent transfer.
Speaking on the BBC Champions League highlights show, Warnock said: “He’s just a great player, right? I think what he’s done since going to Barcelona is he’s found his form. I think he’s found a happy place where he enjoys his football. Actually, as far as he’s concerned, I think he should do better in this position.”
“His touch just gets caught under him a little bit. His striking isn’t that clean, but his movement at the moment is great. What you want from an opposing winger is to get into the box and take the chance. Maybe he can beat it, but he’s so confident in himself that he wants to take that shot from the start.”
“Again, arriving at the back post, a great goal (later canceled) and that’s exactly what you want. Hansi Flick will be happy about that. When you’re a full-back and you play against someone who has pace and you know you can time your runs and use that pace, he’s very dangerous at the back. Maybe he could show a little more composure, but with that confidence he has in himself, he takes everything on.”
“He plays with[Lamine]Yamal and you would think he is a player who takes free kicks, who is up front and who tries to get the upper hand on people. I think you see a big change in character, personality and confidence from an outstanding footballer.”
“From Thomas Tuchel’s point of view, I think this is the best thing that happened to him this year. It gives him another option in the forward position for the World Cup.”
Given his impressive performance in Catalonia, Rashford will be one of the team’s biggest assets when it comes to regaining a two-goal deficit.
It is also unclear whether Barcelona will ultimately decide to exercise their option to buy him from United on a permanent transfer at the end of the season.
The Spanish giants have until June 15 to trigger a release clause that would allow them to sign United for around £26m.
