'I had some words with Marcus Rashford at Barcelona – he was treated poorly at Man Utd'

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Former Manchester City starlet Tyrhys Dolan is thrilled with Marcus Rashford 's resurgence at Barcelona , claiming the forward was "treated poorly" during his time Manchester United . Rashford moved to Barcelona last summer on a season-long loan from Old Trafford.

Last season, the 28-year-old fell out with then-boss Ruben Amorim , which resulted in him being frozen out of the first-team squad, loaned to Aston Villa and ultimately forced out in the summer .

Yet, Rashford's time in Barcelona has proven successful so far, with the England international having managed 10 goals and 13 assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. His performances have sparked increasing speculation that the Spanish club could make his transfer permanent this summer by triggering a £26million option-to-buy clause .

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Dolan, who signed for Barcelona's city rivals Espanyol on a free transfer from Blackburn Rovers in the same window as Rashford's move, has now revealed what it's like to face his fellow Englishman in La Liga . The pair came up against each other on the same flank back in January, when Barcelona won the Catalan derby 2-0.

Dolan said: "It was top to play against him because, obviously both being from Manchester, I watched him and heard so much about him and what he was doing at Manchester United, the way he burst through onto the scene and how much he's achieved in his career. Rivalry aside between Espanyol and Barcelona, it's amazing to share the pitch with players like that."

Dolan came through City's academy alongside Cole Palmer as a youngster. But he still feels sympathy for Rashford regarding how he was treated during his time at United, though he didn't specify whether he was referring to the media or the club.

The 24-year-old winger added: "After the game we shared some words and I'm glad to see him enjoying his football because I think he got treated a little bit poorly at times.

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"It's difficult because there's so many pressures in football and he's human, but he's absolutely flying for Barcelona and I am happy to see it and a boost in his mental health as well."

Rashford faced considerable criticism in the years following his spectacular breakthrough from the academy to the first team in the 2015/16 season.

Scrutiny over his actions away from the pitch included a Conservative MP slamming him for helping to tackle child hunger in the UK during the pandemic, saying he should focus on football instead of "playing politics".

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Other incidents that brought him under the spotlight included turning up late for United training and being seen partying in Belfast, only to report ill the following day.