Marcus Rashford in line for big role change at FC Barcelona | OneFootball

In a summer of sweeping changes at Old Trafford, Marcus Rashford has departed for FC Barcelona on loan.

Falling out

Despite being the golden boy under Erik ten Hag in 2022/2023, Rashford struggled in the Dutchman’s second season and took less than a month to fall out with Ruben Amorim last year.

The England international was left out of the squad to face Manchester City in December and has not played for United since.

He went out on loan to Aston Villa for the second half of the season and secured a loan move to FC Barcelona earlier in the summer.

Strong pre-season

The United academy graduate has played three games during Barcelona’s tour of Asia and he has impressed.

He grabbed his first assist against FC Seoul in his second match and then even opening his goalscoring account against FC Daegu in their last match.

Hansi Flick impressed

The German manager is said to have been one of the biggest driving forces behind Barca’s move for the Englishman and he has so far been delighted with his choice according to reports.

Spanish newspaper AS report that “the English player’s performance, highly motivated upon arriving at Barcelona, has sparked debate about whether he can be the best replacement for Lewandowski.”

Positional change

The paper states that “both the sporting directors and manager Hansi Flick assured that the Englishman was arriving to play on the left wing and give Raphinha a rest.”

The 27-year-old always seemed most at home in a United shirt on the left hand side, so naturally it was assumed this would be his position at Barcelona.

Nonetheless, “through training sessions and matches on the Asian tour, the perception has changed, and the Englishman has shown he can perform as a ‘9’.”

This could work in Rashford’s favour as starting striker Robert Lewandowski is 37-years-old and will need time to rest during what promises to be a long season for La Blaugrana.

It is mentioned that he does face competition from Ferran Torres and even Dani Olmo could play in a false nine role.

Featured image Paul Miller via Getty Images

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