Barcelona boss Hansi Flick didn’t hesitate for a second when the subject of Marcus Rashford came up ahead of Saturday’s visit from Osasuna.
His smile said it all—this, right now, is the version of Rashford he always hoped would appear in a Barça shirt.
Flick described the England forward as nothing short of “an absolute professional,” convinced that the 28-year-old has finally settled into what he calls his “best moment” since arriving in the summer.
From United Outcast to Nou Camp Asset
Rashford’s arrival in Spain had felt like a rescue mission.
Manchester United’s “bomb squad” of unwanted players, overseen by Ruben Amorim at the time, was hardly the place anyone expected a revitalised Rashford to come from.
Yet Barcelona took the gamble, securing him on loan until June 30, 2026, with a buy-option hovering around the £26 million mark.
That figure suddenly seems like a bargain. Rashford has already stacked up 17 goal involvements—six strikes of his own and 11 laid on for teammates—in just 21 outings.
It’s no surprise that President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco are weighing the possibility of keeping him long-term, finances permitting.
Flick’s Stamp of Approval
If Flick has any influence over next season’s transfer plans, Rashford will be staying put.
Ahead of the Osasuna match, the manager made it clear the forward has earned absolutely everything he’s getting—minutes, trust, and admiration.
SPORT even hinted that Saturday could reward Rashford with a starting spot after a lively cameo in his last appearance.
But Flick insisted the winger isn’t the type to throw a tantrum if he finds himself behind Raphinha, Ferran Torres, or even Lewandowski for the central role.
“When he’s on the bench, it shows the quality of this team,” Flick noted.
“His mentality is fantastic. It took him a little time to adapt, but now he’s at his very best.”
A Small Conversation, A Big Example
Flick also shared a moment that summed up Rashford’s mindset.
Before Tuesday’s Champions League meeting with Eintracht Frankfurt—a game Barça entered with three European defeats still weighing on them—the manager pulled Rashford aside to explain his limited role.
The response was pure team-first. Rashford brushed off the explanation, politely reminding his coach that all that mattered was helping Barça win.
And he meant it: the Englishman came on at half-time and immediately delivered the assist for Jules Kounde’s crucial first goal in the comeback victory.
“That attitude is exactly what we need,” Flick said.
“He’s here for the team. And honestly, I’m delighted he’s here.”
A Week of Wins On and Off the Pitch
It hasn’t just been football for Rashford this week.
True to his long-standing humanitarian work, he also joined the Barça Foundation on a visit to support vulnerable children in Catalonia—a gesture widely praised around the club.
A strong display against Osasuna would round off the kind of week players dream about, and the timing couldn’t be better.
With Real Madrid not in action until Sunday night at Alavés, Barcelona have the chance to stretch their lead to seven points—remarkable considering they were five behind after losing the October Clásico.
Madrid Wobbles, but Flick Isn’t Listening
Real Madrid’s slump—draws, dropped points, and growing pressure on Xabi Alonso—has set up an opportunity for Barça.
But Flick won’t entertain talk of an early title procession. While others peer anxiously at the table, he remains dismissive.
“There’s a long, long way to go,” he said with a shrug. “It’s December.
There are so many games ahead. We need to focus on us and keep improving.
If we’re top at the end, then we’ll celebrate. But right now? Nothing is decided.”
One Eye on Osasuna, Zero Eyes on Madrid
Typically unbothered by Madrid’s weekend fixtures—he jokes he’s usually asleep when they kick off—Flick brushed off questions about Alonso’s troubles.
“We don’t focus on Real Madrid,” he said simply.
“We focus on Barça. There’s enough work here to keep us busy.”
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