Marcus Rashford has been in fine form for Barcelona since joining the club on loan from Man Utd in the summer transfer window – and now he is preparing to face Real Madrid
Marcus Rashford has revealed the opportunity to feature in El Clasico against Real Madrid was among the key factors behind his summer switch to Barcelona. The striker secured a loan move to the Catalan club from Manchester United during the summer transfer window.
Barcelona have an option to make the arrangement permanent next year for a fee of £26 million. Rashford continued his impressive form as he netted twice in his team's commanding 6-1 Champions League victory over Olympiacos on Tuesday night.
Next up for Barca is a showdown with arch-rivals Real at the Santiago Bernabeu this Sunday. And it is match that Rashford is eagerly anticipating.
"The Clasico is a great game and that's why I've come here for this number of games," he said. "I am looking forward to it, I hope we win."
Despite previously insisting that his optimal role is out wide on the left flank, he thrived in a more central striking position against the Greek outfit. And following Tuesday night's win, Rashford confessed: "It could be my best performance with Barca.
"I'm ready to bring out the best in me in the team. I prefer to play on the wing, but I don't care. I intend to help and do the best I can."
The remarks follow Barcelona manager Hansi Flick's endorsement of Rashford's capabilities in a central role. "Marcus can be a No.9 or a No.11, he told TNT Sport.
"When we think of him, we value the fact that he can play in more than one position. He has given us a lot of positives and, of course, he can play as a centre forward."
An injury to Ferran Torres resulted in Rashford being deployed centrally against Olympiacos. However, Torres' return to fitness means he could be shifted back to a wide position for this weekend's Clasico.