Marcus Rashford Desperate to Sign Long-Term at Barcelona

Marcus Rashford made a sensational return to form, scoring a double and firing Barcelona to a 2-1 Champions League victory over Newcastle. The 27-year-old forward's performance showed he was back to his best after being frozen out by Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim last term. Rashford's stunning display on Thursday sent a clear message to his new club, with Barcelona having an option to buy him for €26 million next summer.

Key Takeaways:

• Marcus Rashford is eager to sign a long-term contract with Barcelona and stay at the club as long as possible.
• Rashford's performance at Newcastle showed he was back to his top form after being frozen out by Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.
• United manager Amorim refused to relent and banished Rashford to the 'bomb squad' in an effort to get him off the books this summer.
• Rashford eventually sealed a dream loan to Barcelona, who have an option to buy him for €26 million next summer.
• Barça defender Ronaldo Araujo praised Rashford's skills, saying he is "spectacular" and does the same in training.
• Keeper Joan Garcia added that Rashford's shot was "incredible" and that he was happy for him.
• Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes supported Rashford, tagging him in a snap of his second goal on Instagram.

Statistics:

• €26 million: the amount Barcelona have an option to buy Rashford for next summer.
• 9.7 million: the number of Instagram followers that Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has, who tagged Rashford in a snap of his second goal.
• 2-1: the scoreline of Barcelona's Champions League victory over Newcastle.
• 27: Rashford's age.
• 2: the number of goals Rashford scored against Newcastle.