Marcus Rashford endured a mixed home debut for Barcelona as the Catalan side cruised to a 5-0 win over Cesc Fàbregas’ Como in the Joan Gamper Trophy on Sunday night.
The England forward, on loan from Manchester United with a £30m option to buy, played his part in the rout by setting up Raphinha’s first-half goal with a burst of pace and precise pass. However, he also produced a glaring miss late on, rounding goalkeeper Jean Butez only to fire wide of an open goal, a moment that left both him and Raphinha holding their heads in disbelief.
Barcelona had already taken firm control through goals from Fermín López, Raphinha, and teenage star Lamine Yamal, who struck twice, sealing an emphatic pre-season finale.
Rashford will hope to make his competitive debut when Barça open their La Liga campaign away to Mallorca on Saturday, though the club’s ongoing financial difficulties continue to cast a shadow. The reigning champions have struggled to register new signings in recent seasons, with players such as Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor facing temporary licence issues last year.
Club president Joan Laporta remains optimistic. “It’s progressing well. We’re doing our job and we’re confident that we’ll be able to register everyone,” he told ESPN, confirming that Rashford is among six players they aim to register before the season kicks off.
Rashford, for his part, is keeping his focus on the pitch. “It’s something for the club to sort out. I believe they are going to get it sorted. I just focus on training and being ready for the start of the season,” he said.
According to Sport, Barcelona expect to finalise registration once a new sponsorship deal and the sale of 475 VIP seats at Camp Nou, expected to raise £87m, are approved.
