Marcus Rashford has the experience and hunger to outshine Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, and he’s ready to prove it, according to former Manchester United defender Wes Brown.
Brown believes the England forward will push himself to match the output of the 18-year-old prodigy in every possible way.
Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan, with an option for a permanent move in 2026.
Rashford told to match Lamine Yamal at Barcelona
Determined to make his mark, the 26-year-old is eager to link up with Yamal and show the Catalan faithful what he’s truly capable of.
Speaking to GOAL in association with William Hill, Brown said:
“Marcus has got the experience to do that. Talent-wise, you have to say Yamal is a different breed. Marcus will try and match him in every way, talking about players in his own team. They play a little bit different. I’m sure Marcus will want to show everyone at Barcelona, and himself, what he can do.
Comparing Yamal and Marcus, they are just a little bit different. Marcus is a bit older now, but you still look at how he is — how his physique is, how he plays his game — he’s still quick, very fit. He will be trying to do exactly what he did at Manchester United over the years. Yamal is an up-and-coming superstar, he’s got the ability that you don’t see often and he’s doing it at the highest level at the moment.”
Brown didn’t hold back in his praise for Barcelona’s young star:
“Yamal is unbelievable. He’s a talent that is in the Messi mould, the Ronaldo mould. You can see it there. Will he do it for many years? You hope so.
Raphinha as well — he has stepped up after leaving Leeds. We thought he was a good player but it was whether you can do it at that higher level. It’s a big challenge. There are really good individuals there. They will be excited about their season. Yamal, for me, is probably the brightest star among everyone.”
Rashford has already found the net in pre-season for the Blaugrana, and Brown is confident the move could reignite the spark that’s been missing in recent years.
“He looks sharp. I will always watch Marcus wherever he is, but he looks sharp. He’s starting as well. It will be interesting to see.
He’s a good player. Marcus needs to get his head down and really perform for Barcelona. What a team to be able to do that for. Yes, there will be a lot of eyes on him this year to see how he does, and hopefully he’s focused.
Marcus has got the ability to be able to really shine at that club and show what he is all about and what he can do. There are not many people that don’t wish him good luck. You want him to do well.”
For Rashford, this is more than just a loan move — it’s a chance to prove that his best football is still ahead of him, and to do so on one of the grandest stages in world football.