Marcus Rashford has shown Manchester United exactly what they're letting slip through their fingers – once more. The Barcelona loan star contributed a brace of assists as the Spanish giants secured a thrilling 4-2 La Liga triumph over Celta Vigo at the Balaidos Stadium on Sunday evening.

Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring within the first quarter-hour, converting from the penalty spot past Ionut Radu. Sergio Carreira levelled matters moments afterwards, exploiting Hansi Flick's notorious offside trap with devastating effect.

That equaliser came moments after Rashford was guilty of missing a golden chance, but he responded well as his cross was guided home by Lewandowski later in the half. Celta Vigo responded once more though as Borja Iglesias fired beyond Wojciech Szczesny.

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Lamine Yamal provided the Catalan side with crucial breathing room at half-time, netting deep into added time. The United ace had turned creator again, threading the ball to the Barcelona prodigy at the far post.

Lewandowski sealed the victory in the second period, completing his treble with a delicate header from a Rashford corner. With Rayo Vallecano holding Real Madrid to a stalemate, Flick's team reduced their rivals' lead in the championship chase to merely three points.

Following the match, Rashford commemorated the result with a triumphant Instagram post, which garnered nearly half a million likes by Tuesday morning.

The England ace wrote: "Important three points away. We keep working TEAM."

Among the thousands of fans who liked the post were Manchester United stars David De Gea and Bruno Fernandes. Barcelona boss Flick was chuffed with his team's performance over the weekend.

Speaking to ESPN, he said: "Yes [I am satisfied].

"I appreciate a lot what I saw today. At the moment, it's like, especially in the first half, we made some mistakes, more than in the second half, and they use it. Two mistakes for the goals.

"But what I saw, also in first half, we controlled the game. It was a really good match with the ball, and especially in the second half, we defend much better.

"I think the second half gives us confidence also for the next matches. This is what we need. When you can make pressure on the opponent it's a good way. We did it. I like what I saw, especially in the second half."

Earlier this month, Rashford pledged to up his game – and he certainly delivered. Speaking to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo earlier this month, the 28-year-old said: "I try to give my best.

"I could have done better against Elche, and I promise to improve because I'm not entirely happy with my performance overall. We work hard to win. We're taking it one game at a time.

"We need to keep playing as a team. This is Barca, and the demands must always be at their highest."

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