Manchester United loan forward Marcus Rashford played for Barcelona against Como in a pre-season friendly on Sunday
Marcus Rashford of Barcelona
Marcus Rashford of Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
Two of Marcus Rashford's Barcelona teammates have shown their support to the Manchester United loanee after he made his unofficial home debut on Sunday. Playing at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, home of Barca's infamous La Masia academy, Hansi Flick's side thrashed Como 5-0 in their final pre-season fixture.
With Robert Lewandowski still out with a muscle problem, Rashford started through the middle with 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal on the right and Raphinha on the other side. It was a front three that caused Cesc Fabregas' Como issues from the get-go, with Rashford's pace a particular threat.
Fermin Lopez bagged a quick-fire brace to put Barca 2-0 ahead, before Rashford turned on the afterburners to set-up his side's third. The United forward ran from inside his first own half and burst past the Como back-line, before showing composure to feed the ball across the box for Raphinha to tap home.
Yamal then put Barcelona 4-0 up before Rashford missed a guilt-edge chance to score a fifth. He went through on goal and took the ball around the goalkeeper but somehow, despite having an open net, put the ball wide in what was described in some quarters on social media as an early 'miss of the season' contender. Yamal added his second for Barca in the second half to complete a five-goal rout.
After the game, Rashford took to Instagram to react to his team's performance. He said: "Good performance, good win," alongside a collision emoji and flexed bicep emoji. "Ready for what's coming," with raised hands emoji.
Former Manchester City forward Ferran Torres and Spain international Lopez were among his Barcelona teammates to react to Rashford's post. Indeed, both players left a supportive message in the comments section.
Torres posted two fire emojis, while Lopez put three clapping hands emojis. Despite Rashford's miss the Barca players seem to be right behind him and are backing him to impress for them this season.
Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan in July, after he spent the second half of last season at Villa. He netted four times and added six assists in 17 matches for Unai Emery's side.
Barcelona have faced difficulties registering players with La Liga due to their ongoing financial situation. Barca struggled to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor last season, with the duo given short-term licences which were cancelled during the January transfer window. Following an appeal, the club were granted permission to have their licenses reinstated but it remained a consistent issue throughout the 2024/25 season.
Barca president Joan Laporta is confident that Rashford is going to be registered, along with five other stars, for the start of the new campaign. "It's progressing well," Laporta told ESPN.
"We're doing our job and we're confident that we'll be able to register everyone."
When asked about the situation, Rashford added: "It's something for the club to sort out. I believe they are going to get it sorted. I just focus on training and be ready for the start of the season."
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