Hansi Flick has already made major Marcus Rashford u-turn just weeks after Barcelona move

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has already made a major U-turn on Marcus Rashford - despite the forward only joining on loan from Manchester United last month.

Rashford will spend the season at Camp Nou after Barca agreed a deal with United, with his loan contract also containing an option to buy.

The 27-year-old made his debut against Vissel Kobe and has subsequently played 45 minutes in friendlies against FC Seoul and Daegu - scoring in the latter fixture against the Korean K League 1 side.

Rashford may not be able to play in Barcelona's first La Liga fixture of the season, however, as he has not yet been registered.

Barca have had significant difficulties in registering new signings, including summer 2024 arrival Dani Olmo, due to the club's financial issues and a dispute with La Liga.

While he awaits a final outcome, Rashford has been building up his match fitness and sharpness in preparation for the new campaign.

It has been reported that, when he does get the green light to play, Rashford was expected to feature largely from the left side of attack.

However, according to Spanish outlet AS, Flick has been so impressed by the England international's training performances that he is now planning to utilise him as a central striker as well.

Robert Lewandowski is Barcelona's first-choice centre forward but there are few options in reserve to replace the 36-year-old Pole.

Rashford has made three appearances for Barcelona in pre-season (Image: Instagram/Marcus Rashford)

He will miss the upcoming Joan Gamper Trophy fixture against Como due to a hamstring injury, with Rashford set to deputise.

Ferran Torres usually operates as a striker when Lewandowski is unavailable but his future has been placed in doubt in recent weeks, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the club have put contract talks with the Spaniard on hold.

Speaking on the Spanish radio programme El Mon a Rac1 in May, Barca sporting director Deco indicated that the club were not looking to sign a new natural striker.

"Talking about a striker only seems like looking for a replacement for Robert. But today, you have a team that has a fixed '9', which is Inter, with [Marcus] Thuram.

"PSG don't have one. Arsenal don't have one [prior to signing Viktor Gyokeres]. Today we have one, which is Lewandowski. And there are players in the squad who can play there, like Ferran, who has had a spectacular season."