Marcus Rashford's signing by FC Barcelona caused enormous expectations during the summer. He arrived from Manchester United with the label of international star and the hope of becoming Lamine Yamal's perfect partner. However, just two matchdays later, the first conclusions are worrying and Hansi Flick is beginning to accept a scenario that was already feared.
The German coach knew that the Englishman would need an adaptation process to fit into the Barça philosophy. The tactical demands and the speed of decision-making at Barça aren't easy to assimilate. Even so, nobody expected the first impressions to be so discreet, generating concern in the offices and within the coaching staff itself.
A start without real impact on the team
Flick chose Rashford as a starter in the second league match against Levante. The gamble didn't work: he barely touched the ball, lost several individual duels, and conveyed insecurity in his attacking movements. His discreet performance forced the coach to substitute him at halftime, with the team trailing 2-0 at that moment.
Barça's subsequent reaction, managing to come back and draw 3-3, further reinforced the perception of his low level. The introduction of other strikers brought more dynamism to the game and allowed for more danger to be created in the opponent's box. In contrast, Rashford's contribution was highlighted and left doubts about his true usefulness.
Already in the first matchday, the Englishman had played as a left winger, his most usual position. He didn't stand out either: he lacked explosiveness in dribbling, didn't find quick combinations, and disappeared in key phases. In a system that requires wingers to be decisive, his lack of prominence has set off all the alarms.
Flick's warning and the tough internal competition
Despite everything, Flick doesn't want to judge him so soon and asks the fans and the board for patience. He believes that the player needs time to understand the play style and to reach the proper physical level. However, he has also been clear: if he doesn't improve soon, he'll be left without a place in the squad.
The competition in attack doesn't make his situation easier, Ferran Torres has started the season with two goals in two matches and is going through a great moment. Lewandowski is already recovered and ready to reclaim his role as the undisputed center forward. In addition, both Lamine Yamal and Raphinha remain undisputed starters on the flanks.
In that scenario, Rashford is relegated in practically all attacking positions. Flick knows it and won't hesitate to reward those who are more switched on. The Englishman doesn't have his spot guaranteed and will have to work harder than ever to change the current dynamic.
An investment that generates debate in the club
Barça bet on Rashford as a high-impact loan, trusting that he could make an immediate difference. However, the cost of his arrival and his high salary are raising doubts about whether it was the best move. Deco defended the Englishman's arrival, but in the offices some fear that it could become a costly mistake.
The player himself is aware that he doesn't have much margin for error at Camp Nou. He has shown confidence in public, assuring that he is ready to take on the challenge, but internally he knows that he must react quickly. The club's demands and the media pressure don't forgive discreet performances for too many matches.
For Flick, the most important thing is to keep competitiveness within the locker room. That's why he insists that nobody has a guaranteed starting spot and that everyone must earn it day by day. Rashford, for now, hasn't achieved it and his role is starting to be questioned.
The Englishman landed in Barcelona to be a protagonist, not to become a supporting actor. Barça needs him to step up and justify the trust placed in him. Neither as a center forward nor as a winger has he shown yet that he is at the required level.
At the club, they're clear: if Rashford doesn't react in the coming weeks, Flick will look for other solutions. For now, the coach keeps faith in his potential, but the worst is already feared if the situation doesn't change. The Englishman still has time to turn the situation around, although patience at Barça always has a limit.