Marcus Rashford sent clear message about attitude as Chelsea ace speaks on Barcelona move

Marcus Rashford has been warned that he needs to step up his work ethic if he's to make it big at Barcelona. The Manchester United striker is on the verge of sealing a season-long loan move to the La Liga titans, marking his second consecutive spell away from Old Trafford after spending the second half of last season at Aston Villa.

Barcelona emerged as a possible new home for him last year when he revealed in late 2024 his desire for a fresh challenge away from the clubhe grew up at. And they've been his desired club since then.

Rashford, who arrived in Barcelona on Sunday, is set to become the first Englishman to don the Blaugrana kit since Gary Lineker's signing back in 1986. As he prepares for his switch, Cucurella, a product of Barcelona's famed La Masia academy, has offered some sage advice.

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The 27-year-old highlighted the stark pace contrast between La Liga and the Premier League and anticipates Rashford will have to adapt to the change, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The Spanish international has called on Rashford to enhance his work rate and mindset to thrive at the Catalan giants, who reportedly hold an option to purchase him following his loan spell.

In a chat with Jijantes FC, Cucurella said: "He's very fast and will notice the difference in pace between the leagues. He's not used to that league, and I think he'll [need to] do quite a bit of work because he'll notice that difference."

Rashford's on-field demeanour has previously come under fire, notably from United manager Ruben Amorim. He pointed to lacklustre work rate as the reason for his omission from the team for last December's Manchester derby.

Following that, Rashford didn't make another appearance for United, and amid his prolonged absence from the starting lineup, Amorim made a scathing remark about the necessity for players to give their all.

The 40-year-old confessed he'd prefer to play his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach over a player lacking full commitment. "If you do the maximum and do the right things, we can use every player," Amorim stated at the time.

"And you can see today on the bench, we missed a bit of pace to go, to change the game. I will put [Jorge] Vital [on the pitch] before I put a player that does not give the maximum. I will not change in that department."

With Rashford's departure from Old Trafford anticipated to be finalised soon, Amorim has already secured replacement attacking options in the form of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, the latter completing his move from Brentford on Monday.

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