Rashford’s El Clasico masterclass puts Barcelona future in spotlight as Manchester United seek permanent exit

Rashford, who had not been guaranteed a starting place — Hansi Flick faced a decision between the Manchester United loanee and Roony Bardghji before opting for the Englishman — justified his manager’s faith emphatically, operating with a confidence and directness that has defined the best periods of his time at Camp Nou.

The timing is significant because the obstacles to a permanent deal remain considerable. Barcelona’s chances of retaining Rashford beyond the expiration of his loan look increasingly complicated, given the costs involved and Manchester United’s unwillingness to discuss either a second loan arrangement or a reduced transfer fee.

However, an impressive display in El Clasico that clinched the La Liga title is not easily dismissed. Performances of that magnitude have a way of shifting positions — of making previously immovable financial calculations suddenly feel more negotiable.

Rashford has spent much of this season proving he belongs at the very highest level of the game. On Sunday evening, in the most-watched fixture in world football, he proved it beyond all reasonable doubt. The ball is firmly in Barcelona’s court.