The arrival of Marcus Rashford at FC Barcelona has sparked excitement—and raised questions—about what role he will play under Hansi Flick. According to a report by SPORT, the German coach already has a clear vision for how the English forward fits into his strategy for the 2025–26 season.

Not a Starter—But a Key Weapon Off the Bench

From the outset, Rashford is not expected to be a regular starter. The Barça board and coaching staff view him as a luxury substitute—someone who can make a difference off the bench and help manage the minutes of regular starters throughout a demanding season. Flick is determined to keep his core players fresh for the final stretch, and having high-quality alternatives like Rashford is a vital part of that plan.

His loan move also suits the club’s financial strategy, allowing the squad to deepen without compromising the wage structure. It gives the Englishman a chance to ease into the team without major pressure or long-term obligations.

Left Wing Role Only—Not a Replacement for Lewandowski

Though Rashford’s ideal position has been debated since his 2016 debut—whether as a winger, central striker, or second forward—Flick has a firm stance: he’ll be used exclusively as a left winger. The coach intends to give him freedom to cut inside, exploit his shooting ability, and contribute with vertical runs.

Importantly, Rashford will not be considered as a backup to Robert Lewandowski in the No. 9 role, ensuring role clarity within the squad’s attacking structure.

Providing Cover for Raphinha

Rashford will primarily serve as cover for Raphinha, who comes off a career-best season. The Brazilian was one of Barcelona’s most impactful attackers last year, but he also logged over 4,500 minutes across all competitions. Preserving his fitness is essential, and Rashford is seen as the ideal player to rotate in without sacrificing quality in the final third.

With his pace, experience, and tactical understanding, the Englishman is well-positioned to maintain the team’s offensive rhythm when Raphinha is rested.

Flick's Goal: Depth, Rotation, and a Motivated Squad

For Hansi Flick, the goal is to maximize the team’s resources while preventing physical burnout. In a young but relatively thin squad, having a player like Marcus Rashford—who accepts his role and seizes his chances—could be a decisive factor in Barcelona’s pursuit of success this season.