Barcelona's loss is Man Utd's gain as Spanish media send clear message to Michael Carrick

Spanish media are struggling to fathom Barcelona's approach

Spanish media outlets have questioned why Barcelona splashed out on Anthony Gordon rather than Marcus Rashford. Ahead of the World Cup, Gordon sealed a £69.3million switch from Newcastle to Barcelona, who turned down the opportunity to sign Rashford for less than half that figure, despite his impressive season on loan from Manchester United.

Rashford could now be offered the opportunity to restart his Old Trafford career after his representatives held positive talks with the club. As for Gordon, while he charmed supporters and reporters by speaking to them in both Spanish and Catalan during his unveiling, his World Cup displays have led Spanish media to ask: Did they sign the right player?

The 25-year-old was picked ahead of Rashford for the Group L opener against Croatia but was ineffective, while Rashford came off the bench to score the match-clinching fourth goal.

Thomas Tuchel kept faith with Gordon for the bore-draw with Ghana but he again failed to make an impact before being dropped for the group finale against Panama, as Rashford was handed a starting berth. Having remained unused as a substitute, Gordon was unwilling to speak to the media following the match.

Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!

But he still attracted criticism from Spanish outlet ABC, which harshly noted that he "ran down the corridor of the mixed zone with the press faster than his attacks on the wing in this World Cup matches."

The same report suggested that Barca supporters would be "watching with concern what is happening on England's left wing during this World Cup."

It questioned why Rashford wasn't brought in instead. ABC pointed out Barca "paid a fortune" for Gordon, "despite the club's financial struggles."

The article concluded by highlighting the "immense pressure" he faces owing to "the weight of his transfer fee, the challenge of joining a European giant, the scrutiny of the global stage and constant comparisons to the player who owns the opposite flank at Barca, Lamine Yamal.

"Being measured against one of the world's best is arguably unfair. Yet, it is to be expected when a club has just staked 80 million euros on you."

Gordon also came in for criticism from Spanish media after earlier games. El Periodico branded him as "virtually invisible" in the Croatia game, while La Vanguardia described him as "subdued," although his defensive work did earn some praise.

It would be a surprise if Gordon was named in the starting XI against Congo, though Rashford, despite seeing plenty of the ball, failed to impress against Panama. Tuchel could alternatively turn to Eberechi Eze or Morgan Rogers on the left flank.

Click here to read article