Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford’s stunning free-kick helped Barcelona defeat rivals Real Madrid and win back-to-back La Liga titles
On-loan Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has won La Liga with Barcelona(Image: Getty)
Marcus Rashford’s name was up in lights at the Camp Nou on Sunday as Barcelona beat Real Madrid 2-0 and won La Liga. The Manchester United loanee has since broken his silence regarding a permanent transfer but Spanish media can’t seem to agree.
Barcelona hosted bitter rivals Real Madrid on Sunday evening, needing just a point from the game to secure back-to-back league titles. It took them only nine minutes to open the scoring and it was Rashford who obliged.
The 28-year-old curled a sumptuous free-kick into the far corner beyond Thibaut Courtois and reeled away in celebration. Ex-Manchester City star Ferran Torres added another before the 20-minute mark and the score remained 2-0 as Rashford lifted La Liga aloft.
Since he arrived at the club on loan from United in July, there has been much speculation over whether Rashford will join permanently, with a reported £26million option included in the deal. The player admitted after this title win that his preference would be to stay put and while some Spanish media outlets agree, others think an Old Trafford return is near certain.
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AS
Reports have suggested that the £26m option to purchase Rashford from United is too steep for Barcelona and AS think that, irrespective of how well he has performed, there will be no deal.
Rashford may not be a Barcelona player next season(Image: Getty)
The publication claims: “Another position the club wants to strengthen this summer is left wing, although in this case they wouldn’t be looking for a top player, but rather a young player eager to succeed.
“After the partial fiasco of Marcus Rashford – Barca will under no circumstances pay the £26m purchase option demanded by Manchester United – names like Victor Munoz and Jan Virgili are favoured by the Sporting Commission. In any case, with Raphinha and Fermin Lopez, that position is considered more than covered.
“Deco will have a lot of work to do this summer, as all new signings will be preceded by departures and he also faces the significant obstacle of Financial Fair Play. Players like Marc Casado, Ferran Torres, Robert Lewandowski, Rashford and Ronald Araujo are among the main candidates not to continue next season.”
Mundo Deportivo
Rashford has tallied 14 goals and 14 assists in what has been an impressive year in the Spanish top flight and Mundo Deportivo disagrees with its contemporary, writing that the Real Madrid goal could turn the transfer tide.
The 28-year-old’s free-kick broke the deadlock(Image: Getty)
The outlet added: “Rashford’s sprints and the speed with which he began to decide the Clasico were key: he constantly exploited his pace in open space. But his highlight was the stunning goal he scored from a perfectly executed angled free kick.
“He came close to scoring another, but Courtois didn’t concede any more. Who knows if the Englishman’s league finish is the first payment to United?”
Marca
Marca also disagreed with the notion that Rashford’s Barcelona departure is certain, writing during the game: “Rashford, on loan from United, is making a strong case to stay at the Camp Nou.”
Some publications think a deal can be done with United(Image: Getty)
The publication also pointed out the fans’ view of the matter, penning in the 64th minute as Rashford was withdrawn: “The Spotify Camp Nou gives Dani Olmo and Rashford a standing ovation. Barca is a complete and formidable team.”
It heaped further praise on Rashford for his goal: “From a free kick on the right flank, where Rashford was positioned, the Englishman displayed his clinical finishing.
“He feinted a shot towards the near post, Courtois took the fateful step and found himself with the ball nestled into the corner. Despite his height of two meters, he couldn’t reach Marcus’ extraordinary, Declan Rice-esque finish.”
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