Marcus Rashford’s Permanent Barcelona Move in Jeopardy If He Fails Three Tasks

Marcus Rashford has been set three key tasks by Barcelona boss Hansi Flick which could impact whether he signs permanently.

Frozen out at boyhood club Manchester United, Rashford joined the Blaugrana on loan and has been enjoying life in Catalonia with an impressive six goals and nine assists in all competitions.

In Barca's 4-2 win over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Sunday, Rashford registered two assists as Robert Lewandowski rolled back the years with a hat-trick.

Rashford, who did miss a key chance to make it 2-0, set up two of Lewandowski's goals and is full of confidence going into the international break with England.

However, despite his fine form, Flick and Barca staff are not letting Rashford let up and are urging him to make improvements in many areas.

A special report from SPORT focuses on the demands being placed on Rashford, who Barca have the option to sign permanently for £26 million.

Rashford registered two assists against Celta Vigo. Image: Getty

With Lamine Yamal given more of a free role on the right flank, the player who lines up on the left is required to be much more disciplined in their defensive work.

That is not always Rashford's strong point but the coaching staff at Barca are placing a focus on adapting his game with new habits so he can help the team even more.

Flick's Rashford demands

According to the report, Barca want Rashford to "participate with high intensity in coordinated collective pressing" and "return quickly" to provide defensive support for his full-back.

Raphinha, who had a stunning campaign last term, is expected to return after the international break to compete with Rashford, who can also play through the middle.

But the coaches want to ensure the set-up remains the same no matter who plays, particularly by co-ordinating movements with attack-minded Alejandro Balde at left-back.

Hansi Flick still wants more from Rashford. Image: Getty

Barca's win, which came after Real Madrid drew 0-0 with Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, means they are three points behind league leaders Real Madrid after 12 games.

Flick was delighted with the victory and the second half performance, which he believes bodes well for upcoming fixtures following the international break.

"I appreciate a lot what I saw today," Flick explained.

"At the moment, it's like, especially in the first half, we made some mistakes, more than in the second half, and they use it. Two mistakes for the goals.

"But what I saw, also in first half, we controlled the game. It was a really good match with the ball, and especially in the second half, we defend much better.

I think the second half gives us confidence also for the next matches. This is what we need. When you can make pressure on the opponent it's a good way. We did it. I like what I saw, especially in the second half."