Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford continued his strong form at Barcelona by combining with Frenkie de Jong in a 4-1 victory.
Marcus Rashford’s charge towards a league title continued this weekend with Barcelona beating Espanyol 4-1 to grow their lead at the top of La Liga to nine points.
Last week, Rashford scored against Atletico Madrid in La Liga, but then let down Hansi Flick in a Champions League defeat to Atletico just a few days later.
Marcus Rashford came off the bench to score the final goal in Barcelona’s win over Espanyol, and his link-up play with Frenkie de Jong will rub salt into the wounds of Manchester United fans.
FC Barcelona v RCD Espanyol de Barcelona - LaLiga EA Sports
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Marcus Rashford combined with Frenkie de Jong in Barcelona win
Rashford scored his 12th goal of the season in the 4-1 win over Espanyol, and he did it by connecting with former Red Devils target De Jong.
De Jong found Rashford in the box with a delicate cross, and the Carrington graduate finished brilliantly into the side netting.
United went to extreme lengths to try and sign De Jong in 2022 under Erik ten Hag. Barcelona were open to selling the Dutch midfielder, but he preferred to stay in Spain.
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United even had a £72m bid accepted for De Jong, but the move ended up collapsing.
In United’s dream timeline, De Jong and Rashford would be combining with each other at Old Trafford. Instead, they are pursuing a league title together at Barcelona.
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There is a bitter irony about United being in the market for a left winger while Rashford thrives on loan at Barcelona.
Unfortunately, Rashford’s time at Old Trafford is up. Ineos are not open to Rashford returning in the summer, and are instead ready to sell him permanently.
Barcelona want to keep Rashford, but they will have to offer the full £26 million fee agreed as the buy clause in his loan deal.
READ MORE: Gary Lineker lifts the lid on Barcelona’s private Marcus Rashford verdict
United are entering a new era and looking to become Premier League challengers, and there appears to be no space for Rashford in Ineos’ plans.
It is best for all parties to close the Rashford chapter with a permanent move this summer.
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