Marcus Rashford has won his first trophy as a Barcelona player as his loan side beat rivals Real Madrid 3-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final.
The forward celebrated as his parent club Manchester United lost in the third round of the FA Cup, with the Red Devils exiting both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle for the first time in the same season since the 1981-82 campaign.
Rashford, 28, was an 83rd minute substitute for two-goal hero Raphinha in Saudi Arabia, and came close to adding a fourth for his side with a late burst in the final knockings of the game – only to pull his shot wide.
Since joining the LaLiga club from United following a falling out with now-former manager Ruben Amorim, he has contributed seven goals in 27 games, with 10 of his appearances coming as a substitute.
Amorim’s dramatic United departure last week left the door open for the England star to make a return to Old Trafford when his one-year loan deal with Barca expires.
However, reports suggest there is no way back for Rashford and United, with the Spaniards in favour of triggering a £26million option to make his move permanent in the summer.
Marcus Rashford has won his first trophy since leaving Manchester United as Barcelona won the Spanish Super Cup
Rashford left United on loan in the summer after a falling out with then-manager Ruben Amorim
His departure would mark the end of a rollercoaster 21-year association with the Red Devils, where he has lifted the FA Cup and Europa League.
But now Rashford has tasted success with Barcelona in a back-and-forth contest in Jeddah.
Raphinha scored either side of Robert Lewandowski’s classy finish, while Gonzalo Garcia and Vinicius Jr were on the scoresheet for Madrid but, despite Frenkie de Jong’s late red card, the LaLiga leaders were able to hold on for what they hope will be the first of plenty of silverware this season.
While Amorim was understood to be the driving force behind Rashford’s United exodus, the decision to let the England international go was not solely taken by the Portuguese head coach, according to The Athletic.
It is said that United, as a club, had expected more from one of their top earners and that the departure of Amorim has not changed anything regarding the future of their former academy graduate.
The outlet also claim Barcelona now wish to make Rashford’s deal permanent.
It has been widely reported that Barcelona’s sporting director and former player Deco has met with Rashford’s agent at the club’s hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to inform him.
Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that improvements to winger’s defence and pressing were required before a permanent deal was sanctioned. It was also claimed that Barca may look to negotiate a reduced fee.
Rashford started the semi-final, also held in Jeddah, from the bench. Barcelona ran out 5-0 victors against Athletic Club on Wednesday.
He has scored seven goals in 27 games and could make his loan move permanent in the summer
Raphinha (centre) scored twice for the eventual winners as they toppled their rivals in the final
The winger told Spanish outlet Sport that he wishes to be part of the club’s future plans to win more trophies in an interview last month.
‘Of course this is what I want,’ Rashford said. ‘But it’s not the reason why I’m pushing and working hard.
‘The reason why is because I want to win. Barcelona is a fantastic club. A club that is known for winning, and it’s this type of pressure – I want to say pressure but it’s not a bad type of pressure.
‘It’s a pressure that you look forward to and a pressure that I want to have whilst I’m playing football. If I’m at a club that doesn’t demand these things then it’s more difficult for me to be motivated. It’s a fantastic environment for me to continue my football journey.’
He added: ‘From the minute that I arrived I felt welcome. For me, the reason why I’m here is to help the team. I’m here to help them win trophies.
‘Last year they had a fantastic season but – like in life and in football – things move on quickly so we have to repeat the season that we had last season.
‘I’m fully focused on this and the staff, the players know that I’m focused on this so it’s really good.’
