New Delhi: Barcelona and Hansi Flick are looking to keep their options ready for their attack. Certain reports suggest that Flick has asked the board to keep a closer look at Manchester United star Marcus Rashford. Last season, Barcelona’s attack lacked the vision and an eye for goal despite having the one of the most lethal finishers up front. It was clear to see that Barca truly lacked the creativity and urgency that cam back to haunt them as their rivals Real Madrid lifted their 36th Laliga title.
Barcelona have a history of signing some of the biggest names in football and if this deal goes the right way, Rashford will be the next big name to that list. Nothing has been confirmed yet, but Rashford might just be the missing piece of the puzzle for FC Barcelona and Hansi Flick. However, the English forward himself has had a rough couple of seasons that are certainly creating doubts on whether he would be the right option for a club like Barcelona or not.
Last season, Rashford had probably one of his worst seasons at Old Trafford. Fresh off from a successful 2022/23 campaign where Rashford had 30+ goal involvements in all competitions for Manchester United, fans had big expectations last season. Many considered him to be the main man for United who could guide them to glory, but his campaign turned out to be a major disappointment. It wasn’t the worst of campaigns, but the fans were expecting much more than 12 goal involvements in the league.
What can we expect from Rashford?
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and West Ham United at Old Trafford on October 30, 2022 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford is gifted footballer and he is a Premier League proven player. On his day, he can be one of the most dangerous forwards with his blistering pace, skills, ability to beat defenders and above all, a more than decent finishing. A bad season cannot define a player, and Marcus Rashford is the perfect example for this statement. His versitility on the pitch that allows him to play as a winger as well as a centre forward makes him a big asset for FC Barcelona.
There’s no doubt about his abilities on the pitch as he has proven himself in the best European league, playing against some of the best teams in the world. Besides, it is very much understandable why Barcelona have kept him as one of their main options along side Federico Chiesa. A player who can show his versatility, by playing on both the wings and also as a centre forward is something that Hansi Flick would be willing to invest on. Over the years, he has also made a reputation of being a more than decent playmaker from the wings, which makes him a great asset for a top tier club.
A front three of Rashford, the Spanish sensation Lamine Yamal and one of the best strikers of this generation, Robert Lewandowski, would be a frightening sight for any defence in Europe.
Is he the right option for Barca and Hansi Flick?
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United scores the team’s second goal past Ashley Maynard-Brewer of Charlton Athletic during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester United and Charlton Athletic at Old Trafford on January 10, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford didn’t quite have the best year after being dropped from the English squad for Euros and not being able to give his best playing for Manchester United. However, he is just 26 and has a lot to offer as this might just be his prime time to prove his worth again. It would be a fresh start for the Englishman and Hansi Flick’s style of play might suit him the best. It might be a big risk taken by Barca considering the fact that Rashford hasn’t quite had the bes to of seasons, but if this deal works out, Rashford can certainly be a major asset for Hansi Flick’s side.
On his day, Rashford can be one of the most dangerous forwards and he has plenty of time to develop under a coach who is very well known for his ways of working well with his players. We have witnessed Flick working well with wingers at Bayern and one prime example would be Serge Gnabry, who had his best ever season under the German coach, having 30+ goal contributions in all competitions. Besides Gnabry, Flick also made the best out of loan spells of Philippe Coutinho and Ivan Perisic at Bayern, where both played as wingers and proved out to be great assets for the German giants.
Signs do look good for both the parties if the deal goes well as the Englishman can benefit from Hansi Flick’s ability to revive careers and this might just be the perfect match.
FC Barcelona continue their hunt for a new forward as the Nico Williams move looks less likely to happen. Their next target includes a big name and it’s Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
