Marcus Rashford missed an open goal for Barcelona in their annual Joan Gamper Trophy match against Italian side Como. The forward, who is on loan from Manchester United, was selected in the line-up for the traditional pre-season fixture by manager Hansi Flick. Barcelona made a fast start with four goals before the half-time interval, but Rashford was not among the scorers.
He had the opportunity to get in on the act moments before the whistle, but got his bearings wrong and produced a terrible miss. Rashford did everything right in the build-up to his golden chance, picking up the ball and rounding Como goalkeeper Jean Butez. He also wrong-footed an opposing defender before inexplicably firing his effort wide of the empty net.
It would have been easier for Rashford to score than miss, given how close he was to the goal. He reacted by shrugging his shoulders in disbelief as some of his team-mates put their hands on their heads.
Fans on social media were quick to poke fun at the United loanee, with @CFC_OBED writing on X (formerly Twitter): "Miss of the season from Rashford?"
"We are gonna pretend that Rashford didn't miss that," said @MagicalXavi, while @DottyShellz added: "Nah the Rashford haters are gonna feast on this open net miss."
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Rashford was having a good game until his glaring miss, having earlier provided an assist for Raphinha as Barcelona ran riot at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.
The 27-year-old will be hoping to revive his career in Spain after struggling at United over the last few seasons. He was loaned to Aston Villa for the second half of the previous campaign, scoring four goals in 17 appearances.
United icon Owen Hargreaves has backed Rashford to thrive at Barcelona, suggesting they will provide him with the perfect environment to rediscover his form.
Speaking to TNT Sports earlier this month, Hargreaves said: "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.
"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.
"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."
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