MARCUS RASHFORD’S dream move to Barcelona could be turning into another nightmare, according to reports in Spain.
The Catalan press claim the Spanish giants are already considering sending him back to Manchester United.
Rashford started well in pre-season but he’s yet to score or assist in La Liga[/caption]
There are now reports that not everyone at Barcelona is sold on him so far[/caption]
Flick hooked the England man at half time in the 3-2 win against Levante[/caption]
The England ace, 27, sealed a sensational season-long loan to the Nou Camp this summer with a £30million option to buy included in the deal.
But just three games into his LaLiga career, Rashford is reportedly on the chopping block after a string of underwhelming performances, and now faces a race against time to prove himself.
According to bombshell claims from Spanish outlet El Nacional, Barca bosses have been left unimpressed with Rashford’s sluggish start, describing him as “shy, imprecise and lost” on the pitch.
It’s claimed top brass are now debating whether to pull the plug on the deal before Christmas, which would see Rashford return to Old Trafford early – though the club would still owe United £4.3million for ending the loan prematurely.
Rashford had pushed hard to make the Nou Camp switch, desperate to escape his troubled time at United after a poor run of form and increasing frustration behind the scenes.
Barcelona turned to him only after missing out on Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Spain star Nico Williams, with new boss Hansi Flick making Rashford his personal gamble.
Flick had hoped to revive the forward’s career and unlock the potential that once made Rashford – who has kept his place in the England team for the match against Andorra – one of Europe’s hottest prospects.
And the early signs were promising, he impressed in pre-season and showed glimpses of sharpness.
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But in the league, it’s been a different story. Rashford has yet to register a goal or assist in his first three outings and was hauled off at half-time during Barca’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win at Levante.
Thrown on from the bench in the opener against Mallorca, Rashford was handed his first start on August 23, but was hooked at the break with Barca trailing 2-0.
Flick responded by bringing on Dani Olmo, and the changes worked wonders.
Goals from Pedri and Ferran Torres brought the champions level before an own goal sealed a stunning win.
Explaining the decision to sub Rashford, Flick said: “Of course the second half we have to change something.
“Raphinha on the side is our No 11. He knows everything, what we want to do.”
But the German boss insisted he’s not giving up on the Manchester United man just yet.
Rashford was handed Thierry Henry’s number 14 shirt at Barcelona[/caption]
Flick added: “I think Marcus had some situations in the first half where he showed how good he is and how he can help us.
“This is for me, where we have to continue.”
Even so, the pressure is already building. El Nacional report that club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco were never fully sold on the idea of bringing Rashford in, having initially pushed hard to sign Diaz and Williams earlier in the window.
Rashford now faces a crucial few weeks to save his Barca dream or risk heading home with his reputation dented further.