Hansi Flick has already made major Marcus Rashford u-turn just weeks after Barcelona move

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has already made a major U-turn on Marcus Rashford – despite the forward only joining on loan from Manchester United last month.

Marcus Rashford will spend the upcoming season at Camp Nou after Barcelona secured a loan deal with Manchester United, which includes an option to make the move permanent.

The 27-year-old debuted against Vissel Kobe and has since featured for 45 minutes in friendlies against FC Seoul and Daegu, netting a goal in the latter against the Korean K League 1 side.

However, Rashford’s participation in Barcelona’s La Liga opener is in doubt, as he has yet to be officially registered.

The Catalan club continues to face challenges registering new arrivals—among them 2024 summer signing Dani Olmo—due to ongoing financial problems and a dispute with La Liga.

While awaiting confirmation on his registration, Marcus Rashford has been focusing on improving his fitness and sharpness ahead of the new season.

Initially, he was expected to operate mainly from the left wing once available. However, Spanish outlet AS reports that Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has been so impressed with Rashford’s displays in training that he is now considering him as a central striker option as well.

Robert Lewandowski remains the club’s first-choice No. 9, but at 36, the Polish forward has limited back-up—something Rashford could help address.

Robert Lewandowski will sit out the upcoming Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Como with a hamstring injury, paving the way for Marcus Rashford to step in.

Ferran Torres has typically filled in as striker when Lewandowski is unavailable, but doubts over his future have emerged. Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona have paused contract renewal talks with the Spaniard.

Back in May, speaking to El Mon a Rac1, sporting director Deco played down the prospect of signing another out-and-out centre forward.

“Talking about a striker only seems like looking for a replacement for Robert. But today, you have a team that has a fixed ‘9’, which is Inter, with [Marcus] Thuram. PSG don’t have one. Arsenal didn’t have one [before signing Viktor Gyökeres]. Today we have one—Lewandowski. And there are players in the squad who can play there, like Ferran, who has had a spectacular season.”