Barcelona boss Xavi hails Man United star Marcus Rashford ahead of Europa League showdown

Barcelona manager Xavi has warned his players about the threat of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.

The La Liga club face the Red Devils in the first leg of the Europa League play-off tomorrow at Camp Nou.

Rashford is one of the most lethal finishers in the Premier League right now.

The England international will look to hurt Barca, and Xavi is wary of the threat he poses.

“He is very fast – he has very good dribbling skills, especially in one-v-one situations,” the Blaugrana boss said about the Man United star.

“He is very dangerous in transition. We need to be cautious of all of them, especially Rashford.

“He is one of the most dangerous players in Europe now.”

The 25-year-old has netted 21 goals and six assists across all competitions this term.

Rashford has been in the form of his life since action resumed after the World Cup in December. He has notched 13 goals and four assists in 15 games within that time frame.

His resurgence has helped Man United qualify for the final of the Carabao Cup. They face Newcastle United on February 26 and could win their first trophy since 2017.

The Red Devils are third in the Premier League table after 23 games, five points off leaders Arsenal.

Erik ten Hag’s side may not challenge for the title, but they will be keen to win the Europa League.

Barcelona stand between them and a place in the round of 16. The La Liga leaders have been in impeccable form this term and are without defeat in their last 16 games.

They have lost four games all season, and three of those defeats saw them drop into the Europa League.

Barca are a wounded lion after failing to make it out of their Champions League group.

They will be looking to win the competition, and the game against Man United should produce fireworks.