Marcus Rashford has praised Barcelona for serving to him turn into a “better player” and thanked head coach Hansi Flick for restoring his confidence.
The 27-year-old, on mortgage from Manchester United, scored two objectives of immense high quality to assist safe a thrilling 2-1 win in Barca’s Champions League opener at Newcastle on Thursday.
His efficiency – in entrance of England boss Thomas Tuchel – was harking back to the Rashford of outdated, netting the opener through a perfectly-guided header earlier than producing a rasping hit from vary to resolve the sport.
In simply 90 minutes, Rashford has scored as many objectives towards Premier League opposition as Manchester United’s whole squad have managed all season.
“I’m learning a lot, it’s a new style of football,” he advised TNT Sports activities. “But it surely’s making me a greater participant. Truthfully, it is an incredible expertise.
“I’ve always been a huge admirer of Barcelona, every player my age has watched them play, it’s amazing football.”
Talking in regards to the affect of Barca boss Hansi Flick, Rashford stated: “He is crucial. I really feel the boldness he is given me. I knew he was a high supervisor earlier than I arrived right here, however to work with him is a pleasure.
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Keith Downie evaluations Newcastle’s 2-1 defeat to Barcelona within the Champions League at St James’ Park.
“I hope the good relationship will continue for the rest of the season.
“For certain, everyone desires of successful the Champions League. Now I am at Barcelona, the dream is with Barcelona. I hope we are able to win the match, there’s some excellent confidence. Hopefully we are able to go sport by sport and hold bettering as a group.”
Flick: No-brainer to sign ‘outstanding’ Rashford
Flick called Rashford an “unbeliever finisher” in the wake of beating Newcastle, and revealed there was no hesitation to sign the forward when there was an opportunity in the market this summer.
“After we acquired this opportunity, it was okay, we have now to do it,” the German said. “I spoke with him at the start went the appropriate approach.
“I said: ‘I want to have you in my team’. For me, he’s an outstanding player. Also the team helps him a lot.
“We managed the match lots with Pedri, Frenkie De Jong, it isn’t straightforward to press us. That provides the striker the chance to seek out the appropriate areas behind the opponent’s final line and in entrance.
“He had this strength that he can use. His speed, his control with the ball and his finishing is unbelievable.”
Gordon: Rashford amongst ‘greatest in world’
Newcastle ahead Anthony Gordon:
“He’s had a tough time for the past year or so. I’m really happy for him. I know as a footballer you can go through difficult times and it can feel really lonely.
“He is labored very onerous, he appeared very blissful the final time I used to be on England camp with him. He is a superb lad. A really good man, very shy and he is a high, high participant.
“On his day, he’s among the best players in the world, he scored two amazing goals.”
Rashford a minimize above
Evaluation by Sky Sports activities’ Laura Hunter:
The narrative surrounding Marcus Rashford has been messy over the previous 12 months. He somewhat engineered his personal exit from Manchester United, talking publicly about his want to discover different alternatives earlier than being despatched out on mortgage to Aston Villa.
There have been glimpses of his pedigree throughout that transfer however nothing to persuade Man Utd he was worthy of a second likelihood. Apart from, it was clear Ruben Amorim didn’t fancy Rashford in his favoured – however so clearly flawed – formation.
What he demonstrated on a feverish evening at St James’ Park, nonetheless, is he stays a participant for the large event. Two photographs on track, two objectives and a sport’s greatest 10 touches within the opposition field. This model of Rashford has been far too rare. A lot lesser seen in his last days in Manchester. However Spain clearly fits him.
He known as his Catalonian journey “refreshing” and “exciting” post-match. He performed with a freedom that epitomised the sentiment of each.
