Marcus Rashford has faced scrutiny over his future but the Manchester United loanee issued the perfect response as he netted in Barcelona’s win over Getafe.
Marcus Rashford was on target for Barcelona.(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford found the back of the net for Barcelona in another week dominated by talk surrounding his future. The England international scored the second goal in their 2-0 win over Getafe as they capitalised on Real Madrid’s slip-up to 11 points clear.
Reports this week have suggested that Barcelona won’t exercise Rashford’s buyout clause, which would seal a permanent move to Catalonia. It has been said that Hansi Flick’s side have U-turned on their decision to trigger the option, reportedly around £26million, having failed to negotiate a deal to sign him permanently from United.
Speculation, namely from SPORT, suggests that sporting director Deco and Flick have reached an agreement that they are unwilling to pay the transfer fee or wages with the funds described as ‘too high’.
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Fermin Lopez broke the deadlock at the Estadio Coliseum on the stroke of half-time and Rashford rubber-stamped the points 16 minutes from time.
It was a trademark Rashford goal as he utilised his blistering pace to latch onto a long ball over the top with Getafe having committed men forward. The attacker drove forward and held off two defenders before drilling beyond the goalkeeper.
Barcelona now have a double-digit lead at the summit of Spanish football with only 15 points to play for. They can end their top-flight rivals’ aspirations of a late surge to hijack the La Liga procession when Real Madrid visit the Camp Nou on May 10.
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Flick hailed the United loanee as he put into context just how important the Englishman’s contribution, and 13th goal of the season, was.
He said: “Marcus came on in the second half and he used the space they give us. We spoke about this at half time.
“I am happy for the team, for us and also for him that he scored this goal because it was so important for him and also for us.
“We [only] celebrate the victory. It’s different. I said to the team before the game, we only focus on the day to day, on our job, what we have to do.
“When we play like this, I am really happy. I appreciate a lot what we do with the ball, but also against the ball. It’s not easy here, but today was nearly perfect.
“[The title] is not done. We have five games more and we focus only on the next game. We will celebrate when it’s time, not now.”
Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, uncertainty still looms with Michael Carrick’s future undecided as United have to wait until Monday to bolster their European aspirations.
Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Crystal Palace meant that they moved level on points with United but Carrick’s side remain above their North West rivals due to having scored more goals.
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