Hansi Flick has admitted Barcelona will miss Marcus Rashford after the forward returned to Manchester United.
Rashford’s return now gives Michael Carrick another major attacking decision after Barcelona chose not to activate their option to sign him permanently.
Rashford spent last season on loan at Camp Nou and helped Barcelona win La Liga before returning to Old Trafford this summer.
Speaking after Barcelona’s 2-2 pre-season draw with Birmingham City, Flick made clear how highly he rated the England international.
“He is a fantastic player and a fantastic person,” Flick said. “The team miss him and I will miss him.”
Marcus Rashford Manchester United return gathers momentum
Barcelona ultimately decided against completing a permanent deal and instead invested heavily in Anthony Gordon.
Rashford nevertheless left Spain after a productive campaign. He made 49 appearances and scored 14 goals as he rebuilt his reputation under Flick. Reports differ on his final assist total, although his overall attacking output remained strong throughout the season.
The focus now switches back to Manchester.
ReadManUtd previously reported that Andy Mitten believes there is now an 80 per cent chance Rashford plays for United again. That represented a major shift from earlier in the year, when a permanent exit appeared far more likely.
Carrick is expected to assess Rashford once he returns from his post-World Cup break. United are not obliged to sell him, and a suitable permanent offer has yet to emerge.
Flick’s comments provide another reminder of the quality United would be bringing back into their squad.
Rashford still needs to earn his place after a long absence from Old Trafford, but his Barcelona manager clearly believes the club are losing an influential player.
The Marcus Rashford Manchester United return could therefore become one of Carrick’s biggest decisions before the season begins.
