Hansi Flick Doesn’t See Rashford as No. 9 at Barcelona

Manchester United striker joins on loan, but won’t lead the line under new manager

Marcus Rashford is set to join Barcelona on loan from Manchester United, but head coach Hansi Flick already has clear ideas about how the English forward will be deployed. Despite arriving as a high-profile name, Rashford will not feature as a traditional No. 9.

According to a report by Sergi Capdevila of SPORT, Flick views the 26-year-old as a left winger, valuing his pace and tactical awareness in transition play. The player is expected to wear the number 19 shirt and, at least initially, will not be part of the starting eleven.

Flick’s vision for Rashford

While Robert Lewandowski remains the undisputed starter at centre-forward, Flick sees Rashford as a useful rotational option, especially in high-tempo matches. The coach reportedly believes Rashford’s speed and ability to break defensive lines will provide crucial depth over the course of the season.

Rashford’s recent form

Rashford comes off a mixed spell. Loaned to Aston Villa last season, the striker made 17 appearances, scoring four goals and assisting five more. Though not a standout campaign, his 2022 season still resonates, when he scored 30 goals and provided 9 assists in 56 matches for Manchester United his best form to date.

Barcelona hopes the winger can rediscover that level under Flick’s system.

Pogba: “United lost a great player”

The move was welcomed by former teammate Paul Pogba, who stated that Rashford’s arrival is a win for Barcelona and a significant loss for Manchester United.

“He’s still got that spark. For Rashford, it’s the right move. For United, not so much. They’ve let go of a great player,” Pogba reportedly said in comments relayed by Spanish outlets.