Rashford admits to struggling with Barcelona demands ahead of Man Utd exit call

Marcus Rashford has caught the eye during his loan spell with Spanish giants Barcelona as his parent club Manchester United face a difficult call over his future

Marcus Rashford has admitted to needing time to get used to Hansi Flick’s demands at Barcelona. The Manchester United forward joined the Spanish side on a season-long loan deal in the summer.

Barcelona have an option to buy for £26m come the end of the campaign. And given his form, the Catalans look likely to do that. Rashford has notched nine goals and provided 12 assists in 31 appearances in all competitions - a record that includes a strike in Barcelona’s 4-1 win against Copenhagen in the Champions League.

And it was after that triumph that the on-loan United attacker admitted that he needed time to get to grips with playing under his new head coach.

Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “I think for the front guys we have to put as much pressure on the ball as possible because the problem is when players have time on the ball to pick the passes and to see what our backline is doing.

“If they do have time then the backline have to adjust. But it’s our way of playing, it brings an intensity to the game. I think when we play at this intensity it’s difficult for teams to match us.

“For me it takes a little bit of learning to get used to because you can’t let them rest on the ball. Whoever is closest to the ball always has to put pressure. So it’s a little bit different to what I’d done before. But this is the style of defence we play and when it works it’s really good.”

Flick has also given his verdict on Rashford’s performances in Spain and appears to be a big fan. He said: “I’m very happy with Marcus Rashford. Speed. Finishing. Control. He has amazing quality, really.”

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Speaking before the Copenhagen game, Flick pointed to Rashford as an example to the club’s younger players in the wake of Dro Fernandez’s controversial move to Paris Saint-Germain. He said: "Marcus' performances have been really good until now, so we have to manage it, but it's [sporting director] Deco's job do things for next season.

"We have to wait. We have months to go. For me, of course with Marcus we have a player on the top level, but also with our situation, and what I appreciate a lot from him [is his desire to be here]."

Rashford will be aiming to extend his positive form for Barcelona this weekend with the Spanish giants taking on Elche. They could potentially extend their advantage over Real Madrid at the top of La Liga to four points with victory.