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…