Marcus Rashford set for showdown with ex-Man United teammate who could disrupt Barca experience

Marcus Rashford is set for a reunion with former Manchester United team-mate Eric Bailly when Barcelona take on Real Oviedo this evening. Bailly, who wore the United shirt from 2016 to 2022, also had a stint at Marseille during his time at Old Trafford.

The 31-year-old once praised Rashford, claiming the forward was one of the best players he lined up alongside during his time at Old Trafford. The Ivory Coast international made 113 appearances for United and played with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Yet it was Rashford, over all the other superstar names, who moved the dial for Bailly, demonstrating just what a talent the United graduate is.

In a 2022 interview, Bailly said: "I knew a lot of great players in Manchester. But if I have to talk about everyone who impressed me, we're never going to finish this interview! There was incredible talent, both old and young. Someone like Marcus Rashford really blew me away."

Rashford will now face off against the centre-back,who moved to Oviedo in Augustafter spells with Besiktas and Villareal. Rashford, who found himself sidelined under Ruben Amorim at United, was loaned out to Aston Villa before making a summer move to Barcelona, reports the Manchester Evening News.

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The 27-year-old announced himself in style to his new club in the Champions League against Newcastle United earlier in the month as he scored a stunning brace at St. James' Park.

However, it emerged over the weekend that Rashford was dramatically axed from Barcelona's starting XI after arriving late for a team meeting. The disciplinary action from Hansi Flick came just days after Rashford netted his maiden goals for the Spanish giants, though the Barcelona boss insisted he was simply rotating his squad.

Despite being benched for the Getafe clash, the England forward made his mark off the substitutes' bench by setting up Dani Olmo in their 3-0 victory on Sunday.

With Rashford starting to showcase his abilities in Spain, speculation is mounting that Barcelona may pursue a permanent deal for his services. Nevertheless, despite his improved displays, his recent indiscretion has drawn fierce criticism from Newcastle icon Alan Shearer.

"Rashford can't be unprofessional, it's not right," Shearer told Betfair. "We know that if Rashford is ready and if his attitude is right then there's a player in there.

"He was sensational against Newcastle. The second finish in particular was amazing. But you can't be unprofessional. Why should everyone hang around just for you? Why should everyone else be on time but you be late? It's not right."

United icon Paul Scholes has also confessed that he found it difficult to celebrate Rashford's double against the Magpies, given the player's conduct during his time at Old Trafford.

"There's no doubt the talent that kid has got, it's ridiculous, he's shown up in a big game, and that second goal was brilliant," he said speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast.

"I really struggled to feel happy for him, to feel pleased for him. Mainly because his attitude, his attitude at United. The time he was leaving, I thought it was just disgrace at United, not trying, basically.

"Look, if you fell out with a manager, then OK, but remember, you've got team-mates you're playing with. You've got a massive 80,000 there, whatever it is, every single week that you have to put a bit of effort in.

"The amount of times I saw him at United walking because he wants to leave, I thought his whole demeanour was a disgrace. I think he actually quit on Manchester United. And once you quit once, you'll quit again."

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