Flick: Team will miss Rashford, but we have to move on

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has admitted he will miss Marcus Rashford. The England forward is heading back to Manchester United after his successful loan spell at the Spanish club came to an end. Rashford is now preparing for the new Premier League season with United, as Barcelona opted against making the move permanent. ESPN sources say that back in June, the Catalan side was still weighing another loan or a cut-price permanent deal. But the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi shut the door on a Rashford return to Camp Nou for good. "You never know for sure what happens with loan players - it's always a tricky situation - but I really value the time I worked with Marcus. He's a fantastic footballer and a wonderful person. The team will miss him, I will miss him too, but that's life. We have to accept it," Flick said after the friendly against Birmingham. The German coach, though, is clearly excited about the new additions: "Anthony Gordon has joined us, and from our very first conversation I could feel he's simply burning for Barca. I'm really happy to have him in our squad," he added. Rashford is expected to report to Carrington in early August to start preparing for the new top-flight campaign. Manchester United open their season on August 22 against newly promoted Hull City. Even with his return, the forward's long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. According to ESPN, United value him at 40 million euros ($46 million) for a permanent transfer, but the club has no intention of selling him to direct Premier League rivals. The player himself posted an emotional farewell to the Barcelona fans on social media: "I am so grateful to everyone at the club for making my time here such a positive and unforgettable experience. I enjoyed every moment and I take so many special memories with me. I wish the club and all the fans the very best for next season. Visca el Barca!"