Hansi Flick has furiously responded to accusations surrounding his treatment of Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford and teen prodigy Lamine Yamal at Barcelona
Josh Holland and Neil Docking
13:57, 18 Oct 2025
Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona from Manchester United on loan in the summer
View 2 Images
Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona from Manchester United on loan in the summer
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has rubbished rumours that Marcus Rashford was treated more harshly than Lamine Yamal over disciplinary issues.
Reports in the Spanish press suggested club officials 'forced' Flick to pick Yamal, 18, for the Champions League defeat to Paris Saint-Germain earlier this month, despite the young player arriving late for a team meeting. In contrast, Manchester United outcast Rashford was left on the bench for September's La Liga match against Getafe for a similar breach of protocol.
Accusations of 'double standards' in the handling of Yamal emerged. However, Flick has strongly denied these claims and insisted he has full control over disciplinary matters. He said: "I'd like to know where you're getting that rumour from.
"It's b*******. It's not true. At this club, with Deco and the rest of the professionals, I have a real relationship. I believe in my work. I have their trust, and they wouldn't ask us for it. It's rubbish. Whoever said it lied."
Rashford has made a strong start at the Catalan giants following his season-long loan move from United. The 27-year-old England star has scored three goals and provided five assists in his first 10 appearances, while also earning a recall to the Three Lions squad, reports the Mirror.
Lamine Yamal of FC Barcelona celebrates the 4-0 with Raphael Dias Belloli Raphinha and Marcus Rashford during the Joian Gaper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Como 1907 played at Johan Cruyff Stadium on August 10, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Bagu Blanco/Pressin/Icon Sport)
View 2 Images
Lamine Yamal celebrates with Marcus Rashford at Barcelona(Image: Bagu Blanco/Pressin/Icon Sport)
Despite receiving flak from the Spanish press for his lateness last month, sporting director Deco confirmed the club is pleased with his transition to Barcelona.
"He's on a simple loan, there's no penalty, and if we want him, we have an option to buy," the former Barca star told Mundo Deportivo.
"It's too early to talk about decisions for next season, but what matters is that we're happy with him. What we thought he could bring to us, he's bringing.
"He's a very high-level player - who exploded very early - then he had great seasons at United, then he had years of more complicated management with changes of coaches.
"And perhaps he struggled too because they demanded a lot of things from him there. But we're happy with him, that's the most important thing.
Article continues below
"These aren't decisions for now. Now it's time to focus on the games to come. A decision will be made, but that's not being discussed right now. There's a contract between the clubs, but it [the future] has to be discussed."