The experiment still isn't producing results. In three brief appearances wearing the blaugrana jersey, Marcus Rashford has raised more doubts than certainties.
His signing, considered a market opportunity to strengthen the wings, hasn't convinced. Neither Hansi Flick nor the sporting management, who are already considering the exit clauses signed in the contract with Manchester United.
The loan included two possibilities. Pay €5 million ($5 million) to send him back to Old Trafford in January or pay €30 million ($30 million) at the end of the season if his performance was satisfactory. As of today, the most likely scenario is the first one.
Three stretches of the match without brilliance
In total, Rashford has played just 93 minutes spread over three matches. Against Mallorca, he played 28 minutes and barely touched the ball six times. He struggled to get into rhythm and didn't create any clear dangerous actions.
In the second opportunity, against Levante, he enjoyed 45 minutes. However, his performance went unnoticed, with lost balls in the attacking zone and a clear chance that he sent over the bar.
The last stretch, against Rayo, was 28 minutes, in which he tried to be more involved, but without success. His only notable play was a long-range shot easily saved by the opposing goalkeeper.
Far too little for a player expected to compete for minutes with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, who make a difference every time they step on the field.
A level below the competition
The comparison is inevitable. Lamine, at just 18, has established himself as an undisputed starter and is a constant threat. Raphinha, despite his inconsistency, always offers work rate and dribbling.
Rashford, meanwhile, hasn't shown any spark or defensive involvement. Flick expected a footballer who would provide immediate solutions, but what he has seen so far is a forward lacking confidence, out of rhythm, and overwhelmed by Barça's demands.
The fans are also starting to grow impatient and the margin for patience is shrinking. In Barcelona, people can't understand how a player with his experience and track record in the Premier League is delivering such a flat performance.
Flick considers alternatives
The situation has opened the door to an unexpected option: Swedish winger Roony Bardghji, registered with Barça Atlètic. The young winger has impressed Flick in training and could get minutes with the first team if the situation with Rashford doesn't improve.
The competition is fierce and the German doesn't want to give away minutes to anyone. The message is clear: only those who perform will play. For now, Rashford is far from justifying his signing.
Decision on the horizon
Barça have until January to decide whether to activate the €5 million ($5 million) return clause. What seemed like a top-level reinforcement has turned into an unexpected dilemma. Rashford still has time to turn the situation around, but he needs to react immediately if he doesn't want his time at Camp Nou to be a blink-and-you-miss-it experience.