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 former side Manchester United, who he is still contracted to until the summer of 2028, lost in the third round of the FA Cup, meaning they have exited both domestic cup competitions at the first hurdle for the first time since the 1981-82 season.
Rashford, 28, was an 83rd minute substitute for two-goal hero Raphinha in Saudi Arabia, which was again playing host to the final of the tournament.
Since joining the LaLiga club from Manchester United following a falling out with now-former manager Ruben Amorim, he has managed seven goals in 27 appearances, though 10 of those games have seen him come off the substitutes bench.
Amorim’s United departure left the door open for the England star to potentially return to Old Trafford when his one-year loan deal with Barca expires, but the Spanish giants have an option to make his loan move permanent for £26million and are edging towards doing so.
It would bring an end to Rashford’s 21-year association with United, who he joined when he was just seven years old.
Marcus Rashford (left) 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
While he has won the likes of the FA Cup and the Europa League at United, Rashford has now tasted his first bit of success at his current club thanks to Raphinha’s brace and Robert Lewandowski’s strike.
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 has now left United after a breakdown with the club’s hierarchy, the decision to let 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.’
