'You need to be prepared' - Marcus Rashford sent warning by Raphinha after completing loan move to Barcelona from Man Utd

Rashford joined Barcelona this month on a season-long loan from Manchester United. The England international will compete with Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres in a star-studded attack. The Brazilian, who is said to be in line to be one of the captains for Barcelona for the upcoming season, has now fired a warning to Rashford about the necessity to be prepared for competition.

Speaking to Diario Sport, Raphinha said: "When you play with this jersey, with this club, you need to be prepared for all the competition that there is. In my opinion, the more competition we have, the better. It means that one helps the other progress and that is the most important thing if we want to win titles."

Speaking about the only title that eluded Barcelona last season, the Brazilian added: "The Champions League is a personal challenge in my career. It's also a club goal, to win our sixth Champions League title. I, in particular, will do everything possible to make it happen. And I'm sure the players are thinking the same thing."

Raphinha is coming off his most productive season yet, with 34 goals and 25 assists across all competitions. His form in the Champions League was particularly strong, with 13 goals and nine assists. Despite Rashford’s arrival, the Brazilian has extended his contract until 2028. The Brazilian added: "I always try to find my best form in training, games, the season. I tried that last season, it was better than the previous one, and I will try for this coming season to also be better than the last."

Barcelona will now aim to integrate Rashford quickly into their system as they prepare for another title push. Raphinha, meanwhile, remains determined to keep improving and fighting for his place and the internal competition could prove key in Barca’s pursuit of domestic and European glory.