Marcus Rashford missed a sitter on his first Barcelona start as the on-loan Manchester United forward endured a mixed game against Como as Barcelona ran riot in the pre-season friendly
14:05, 11 Aug 2025Updated 14:09, 11 Aug 2025
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 10: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona disappointed during the match between FC Barcelona v Como at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on August 10, 2025 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford missed an open goal for Barcelona(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford missed an open goal for Barcelona in their annual Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Italian outfit Como.
On loan from Manchester United, the striker was picked to start in the pre-season fixture by new boss Hansi Flick. Barcelona raced out the blocks and scored four goals before the break, but Rashford wasn't among the scorers.
Just before half-time, he had a golden chance to get in on the action but completely fluffed it. Rashford did everything right to create the chance after picking up the ball and skipping around Como's keeper Jean Butez, and sending a defender the wrong way.
But to everyone's shock, he sent his shot sailing wide of the empty net from point-blank range. With the goal gaping open, it seemed harder to miss than score, leaving Rashford shrugging his shoulders in dismay as some of his teammates threw their hands up in disbelief.
Rashford had been enjoying a good game until that point, having already set up Raphinha for a goal as Barcelona ran riot at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
Marcus Rashford
Rashford missed an open goal under little pressure
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The 27-year-old is banking on a career resurgence in Spain after being frozen out by Ruben Amorim at United. Last season, he was loaned to Aston Villa for the second half of the campaign, scoring four goals in 17 outings.
Former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has backed Rashford to flourish at Barcelona, suggesting they'll offer him the perfect environment to regain his form.
Earlier this month, Hargreaves told TNT Sports: "I think he'll do great. He's got one of the best managers in the world in Hansi Flick and he plays super attacking football. He's got an amazing intelligence as a manager.
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"He understands the games, [his] players are very close to him. I've spoken to players about him. They say that he's the best manager they've ever had.
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"Not [just] in terms of tactics, in terms of scoring goals and playing that high line, but also just the way he talks to his players, the confidence he gives them. Marcus, talent-wise, is very unique, but obviously his confidence has been hit.
"To go there and play under a manager that trusts you, he really wanted him. I think it's going to be a great opportunity for him to go into a place where the culture's going to be really good, which he hasn't had at Manchester United."