Rio Ferdinand warns Marcus Rashford about ‘mistake’ he must avoid to find success at Barcelona

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has urged Marcus Rashford to avoid dribbling a lot in order to find success with La Liga giants Barcelona. Rashford is all set to join the Catalan club on loan.

Rashford could not get regular chances with Manchester United under new head coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese called out Rashford for his lack of intent in the training sessions and the forward was loaned out to Aston Villa.

Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand presents podcast, the former defender said, “Marcus has to go in there and do things that are different from the strikers and attacking players they already have, which is running off the ball behind defenses. Make teams take a step back when Marcus Rashford is on the pitch. And he should shoot because he’s got a lethal shot with that right foot. He must shoot a lot.

Ferdinand highlighted that dribbling a lot could make it difficult for Rashford to find success with Hansi Flick’s team.

“It would be a mistake if he becomes one of those strikers who dribble a lot and make things difficult for himself. Keep his game simple: one-two, play to Lewandowski, run around the corner, etc. He’s got that intelligence. We’ve seen that if he simplifies his game in those three areas and adds work ethic off the ball. If he manages to do all these, this will be a steal for a season.”

On the other hand, former England international Teddy Sheringham recently said that Rashford doesn’t deserve to go to Barcelona. However, Ferdinand lashed out at his former teammate.

Ferdinand said, “There going to be people saying, “did he do enough to get to Barcelona?”. It doesn’t matter. He’s there now. Just think about what’s happening now. Yeah, we can all say if buts and maybe he didn’t deserve it. He’s there. Go and produce. Go and deliver.”

“I’m not one of those guys who’s sitting there going, “yes, it is a last chance for Rashford. He went to Villa, Villa, didn’t take up the 40 million pound buy up clause for whatever reason. Might be too expensive. He’s got another opportunity now to go and cement himself and Barcelona and get a contract.”

Rashford is all set to undergo medicals before joining Barcelona.