Marcus Rashford has thrived during his season-long loan with Barcelona after falling out of favour at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim, and checked a goal off his bucket list on Saturday afternoon
Marcus Rashford wipes his face
Marcus Rashford played at the Camp Nou on Saturday for Barcelona(Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford has at last fulfilled his ambition of representing Barcelona at the Camp Nou. The Manchester United loanee came off the bench at the turn of the second-half on Saturday against Alaves.
Rashford had previously expressed his eagerness to perform before Barcelona supporters at their legendary stadium, as the Camp Nou had been closed due to extensive £1.3billion renovation work, forcing the Catalan club to play elsewhere. After securing his loan move this summer, Rashford said: "It's a very nice feeling. It's a beautiful stadium and when it is full it's going to be unbelievable.
"Camp Nou was always one of my favourite stadiums and one I wanted to play in. But to play on it for Barcelona is going to be a different feeling. I cannot wait to be on the pitch. I will enjoy it."
Due to the ongoing construction works, Hansi Flick's squad kicked off their season at the Olympic Stadium. Their situation changed last weekend, though, when the club received authorisation to reopen the Camp Nou for their 4-0 triumph over Athletic Club - although with restricted attendance of approximately 45,000.
Regrettably for Rashford, he was unable to feature in that homecoming fixture due to illness, instead observing from the side-lines. However, the 28-year-old finally realised his aspirations on Saturday afternoon, stepping onto the historic pitch of the famous ground as a second-half replacement for Marc Bernal.
The match saw Barcelona secure a 3-1 victory, courtesy of a goal from teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal, and a brace from Dani Olmo. Since his move to Barca, Rashford has notched up six goals and nine assists in 17 appearances, as he seeks to make his mark at his new club.
Marcus Rashford sits
Marcus Rashford has impressed with Barcelona
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Barcelona also have the option to make his transfer permanent next summer for around £26million, and it seems increasingly likely they will do so, given his recent impressive form. The refurbishment of Camp Nou is slated for completion in 2027.
The stadium's capacity will then officially increase to 105,000, making it the fifth-largest stadium globally. The La Liga leaders have also submitted an application to UEFA to seek permission to host their remaining Champions League home matches at the stadium.
Next up for Barca is a home fixture against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, December 2, followed by an away game against Real Betis four days later. Their next Champions League match is scheduled for Tuesday, December 9, when they take on Eintracht Frankfurt at home.
United have fared reasonably without Rashford this season, as Ruben Amorim finally finds his stride. After a patchy start to the season, United sit 12th in the league standings with five wins, three draws and four losses to show for their efforts.
And while their most recent outing saw them suffer a 1-0 loss to a 10-man Everton at Old Trafford, Amorim will hope that it was just a momentary blip - considering the club were unbeaten in their last five outings headed into the match. Next up for United is a trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday, where they face Oliver Glasner's Crystal Palace in the early kick-off.