Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has been in fine form for Barcelona but manager Hansi Flick is reportedly looking into changing his attack
Marcus Rashford of England reacts
Marcus Rashford has had a positive impact at Barcelona since joining on loan from Manchester United
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Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford may soon see himself not playing in his preferred position of left in attack at Barcelona.
The 27-year-old arrived in Catalonia on a season-long loan in July after Reds boss Ruben Amorim made it clear he did not fit into his plans. The Catalan giants have the option to sign Rashford in a permanent deal worth £30million in 2026.
After his sterling performances since the September international break, Barcelona are reportedly keen to secure the England forward, but are hoping for a cut-price deal of around £26m. Rashford has three years left on his current contract at Old Trafford, which he signed in July 2023 after scoring a career-best 30 goals for United in 2022/23.
Rashford has predominantly been used as a left-winger during his career, while occasionally being played on the right. During an interview with Gary Neville nearly two years ago on The Overlap’s YouTube channel, Rashford was asked whether playing from the right side was his most difficult position in the front three.
“Yeah, definitely,” he replied. “It’s just the angles of the runs you make in behind – because most of my game is running in behind and trying to stretch defences and give space to some of the other players.
“But the angles of the runs sometimes, I feel like I run too far inside, and then I’m running backwards the other way to try and get the ball.
“Whereas on the left, it’s just natural to do it, it feels more normal.”
However, Barcelona boss Flick is reportedly considering using Rashford in a different position when the La Liga champions return from the international break. Barca have lost their last two fixtures - a 2-1 loss at Paris Saint Germain before being thrashed 4-1 at Sevilla.
And Mundo Deportivo report that United's academy graduate could potentially be used as a number nine under Flick. It is said that Raphinha would be deployed on the left wing with Lamine Yamal on the right.
The report adds that Flick could use that attacking line-up for Barca's next match - a home clash against Catalan rivals Girona on Saturday, October 18. Barca will then host Olympiacos four days later in the Champions League.
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