Xavi hopes Barcelona youngster can replicate Marcus Rashford at Man United

Barcelona manager Xavi hopes that 20-year-old Ansu Fati can become a similar player to Marcus Rashford at Manchester United.

Rashford, 25, terrorised the Spanish side’s defence at the Camp Nou on Thursday evening in the Europa League clash between the two teams. He scored once and created the other goal for Erik ten Hag’s men in the 2-2 draw.

The United winger has now equalled his best-ever goalscoring season with 22 goals and is one of the most in-form forwards in Europe under Ten Hag.

His turnaround from last season has been hugely impressive. The no.10 scored just five times across the 2021/22 campaign and many United fans were ready to see him leave the club.

Fat, like Rashford, has experienced some injury setbacks in his career so far that have stalled his development. He’s found his fitness this season but has started just seven games in La Liga so far, with Gavi often being preferred on the left wing.

Xavi knows the young Spaniard has the ability to become a top player, however, and hopes that he can replicate the work of the Englishman at Old Trafford.

“Could Ansu be like Rashford? Hopefully, he has the qualities for that,” he told reporters as quoted by Barca Centre. “Then it’s about confidence. His performances will mark his time at the club. We have faith in him.”

The two wingers could both be starting against each other next week in the return leg at Old Trafford. Barcelona are without Pedri or Gavi and Xavi might look to start the winger against United.

Rashford will certainly be starting as he looks to continue his phenomenal goalscoring form. United face Leicester City in the Premier League on Sunday beforehand.