Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has waxed lyrical over ‘absolute professional’ Marcus Rashford, with a hint that they are satisfied with his progress and are happy with what he offers the team.
It is no secret that Marcus Rashford left Manchester United twice under a grey cloud, for separate loan deals, with the first taking him to Aston Villa.
Rashford returned to United last summer before being asked to train away from Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad. It was at that moment that the writing was on the wall for the England international.
Later that summer, Rashford joined Barcelona on loan. He is back enjoying some of his best football and will be in contention to make the England squad for the World Cup next summer.
However, there are still question marks over Rashford’s future because Barcelona have nothing set in stone apart from an option to buy the forward for around £26 million.
The only way Rashford can secure a permanent switch to Barcelona is by continuing to perform at a high level for the rest of the season.
Marcus Rashford warming up in the Champions League
Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford showing his ‘best form’ at Barcelona
Hansi Flick is convinced that Rashford is showing his ‘best form’ again for Barcelona.
With 17 goal contributions (six goals and 11 assists), it’s hard to argue that Rashford is making a strong case for President Joan Laporta and Sporting Director Deco to make the move permanent ahead of next season.
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Rashford came off the bench at half-time in Barcelona’s 2-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt, however, they were losing when he came on the pitch.
Spanish outlet Sport claims that Rashford will be rewarded for his performance by starting the game against Osasuna this weekend.
Barcelona boss Flick has hailed Rashford’s professionalism and dropped the biggest hint yet that he has a key role in the team ahead of a potential permanent deal.
“When he’s on the bench it also shows that we have an excellent team,” Flick said, as quoted by the Daily Mail.
“In this position we have excellent players, it’s like that but what I can say is that he’s an absolute professional player.
“His attitude and his mentality is great. I think in the beginning he had to adapt a little bit, but now he’s at his best level.”
Flick also provided insight into a conversation he had with Rashford in the build-up to Barcelona’s win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday.
“I speak with the players who aren’t playing and tell them why, and what he said to me the last day (against Frankfurt)… in England they say ‘boss’ (but) in Spain you say ‘mister’… (he said:) ‘You don’t have to tell me this,” Flick added.
“It’s only about the team. We have to win the three points and nothing else. It’s what’s important’.
“It’s the right attitude and you can see his mentality. He’s here and I’m really happy that he’s here.”
WHICH Manchester United loanee have you been most impressed by this season and why?🔥⚽️
Split image of Marcus Rashford in Barcelona jacket looking to the side and Harry Amass in Sheffield Wednesday kit looking to the side.
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Marcus Rashford stats in La Liga so far
Rashford has played 15 matches in La Liga so far.
The England international will be looking to make his 16th league appearance for Barcelona against Osasuna.
What do you think is Marcus Rashford’s legacy at Man Utd?
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Rashford has two goals and eight assists to his name in La Liga.
One way to guarantee a move to Barcelona in the summer is by adding to his goal and assist tally for the season.
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