Hansi Flick has said Barcelona will “miss” Marcus Rashford after the winger returned to Manchester United this summer following the end of his loan spell.
Barcelona decided not to make Rashford’s move permanent, leaving the England international to return to United ahead of the new Premier League season. The 28-year-old is due back at Carrington in early August, having been granted a holiday after reaching the World Cup third-place match with England.
United prepare for their opening league game away to newly promoted Hull City on 22 August.
Flick said Barcelona’s transfer plans had moved in a different direction despite his admiration for Rashford’s contribution during his time in Spain.
“You don’t know what happens with players who are on loan – our situation is not easy for that,” Flick said.
“But I appreciate working with him. He is a fantastic player and a fantastic person. The team will miss him, I will miss him, but it is life.
“This is what we have to accept. And in the end, Anthony Gordon comes and from the first call with him when I spoke with him, he is on fire with Barca and I’m really happy that he’s on our team.”
Sit back and enjoy 🍿
Time to enjoy the very best of Marcus Rashford in 25/26 ✨#LaLigaHighlights pic.twitter.com/eqV8eSTR0v— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 7, 2026
Barcelona were unwilling to extend Rashford’s stay, reportedly unconvinced by what they were getting in return for the finances involved, as well as by the defensive side of his game. Flick expects his forwards to be good on the press as the first and critical line of defence in his high-line system.
Rashford was not considered to be good enough off the ball, while his replacements this summer – Anthony Gordon from Newcastle and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund – are.
Rashford is now preparing for another season at United, with the club happy to reintegrate him into the squad if no offers come in for him, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The England forward said goodbye to Barcelona supporters in a message on social media.
“I’m very grateful to everyone at the club for making my time here such a positive and memorable experience,” Rashford said. “I have enjoyed every moment and I will take many special memories with me.
“I wish the club and all of its supporters the very best of luck and every success in the season ahead. Visca el Barca.”
