Marcus Rashford netted his first goal in Barcelona colours after being deployed in a new position for the first time.
Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring for Barcelona.
Marcus Rashford scored his first Barcelona goal on Monday.(Image: Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images.)
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has said Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is capable of playing as a striker after coming off the bench to score in Monday's 5-0 win over Daegu in their latest pre-season friendly.
After replacing Robert Lewandowski at half-time, Rashford scored his first goal in Barcelona colours with 25 minutes left on the clock, converting a low cross from inside the penalty area to score his side's fifth goal of the game.
He was tasked with spearheading the La Liga champions' attack in the second half, whereas his two previous appearances since joining the club had seen him operate on the left flank.
The United academy graduate has frequently reiterated throughout his career that he prefers to play on the left-wing. His best performances in a United shirt have often come from out wide, with the England international regularly cutting inside onto his right foot.
Although Flick acknowledges Rashford can play on the left, he wanted to see how he would get on in a central position, despite admitting he was called upon to replace Lewandowski because of an ongoing issue facing Ferran Torres.
"He can play at No.9 or No.11," said Flick. "We changed it because we had to be careful with Ferran.
"We wanted to see how he adapted to the position."
Since joining Barcelona last month, Rashford has appeared in all three of their pre-season friendlies, coming off the bench on each occasion. Ahead of facing Mallorca in their La Liga opener on August 16, Barcelona face Italian side Como in the annual Joan Gamper Trophy match at the Estadi Johan Cruyff this coming Sunday.
Rashford will hope to secure his first in their final warm up match ahead of the start of the new season.
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