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Marcus Rashford makes major change after Barcelona punishment and Man United return stance

The England international is determined to avoid any further punishments as Barcelona prepare to make a decision at the end of the season

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford's loan spell at Barcelona is coming to an end(Image: Getty Images)

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Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford has made a significant change after being punished by Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick. Last September, the England international was disciplined for arriving two minutes late to a team meeting, which led to him being dropped to the bench for their La Liga clash with Getafe.

Despite reports claiming his security card malfunctioned, he was left out of the starting XI. Flick had instructed players to attend a 9:30am meeting on the morning of the game, followed by an 'activation session' at 11am.

However, sources close to Rashford confirmed he did not arrive until 9:32am, prompting Flick to enforce his strict punctuality rule. The German coach is known for his zero‑tolerance approach to lateness, with players regularly dropped for arriving even a minute or two behind schedule.

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At the time, Flick opted instead for a front three of Robert Lewandowski, Ferran Torres and Raphinha, with them going on to win 3-0 at the Nou Camp.

Rashford quickly learned to make sure the same mistake wouldn't happen again and now arrives 30 minutes early according to the Daily Mail.

Rashford has settled in well in Catalonia after a difficult spell under former United boss Ruben Amorim.

The forward was dropped by the Portuguese coach, which led to a brief loan move to Aston Villa before he completed a season‑long switch to the Spanish giants.

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford in action for Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)

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With his loan now nearing its end, Barca have the option to make the move permanent for £26million but his long‑term future remains far from certain.

Reports suggest the La Liga giants are not planning to make a decision until the end of the season.

As for a potential return to Old Trafford, the Daily Mail adds that even with a regime change at United, a summer reconciliation is far from guaranteed.

His reported £325,000‑a‑week wages 'do not fit comfortably' within the current Old Trafford structure, which leans heavily toward incentive‑based contracts with lower basic salaries.

It's also noted that if a permanent move to the Camp Nou does not materialise, a loan elsewhere remains an option and with the World Cup approaching, that could offer him a valuable chance to impress potential suitors.

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