Marcus Rashford has praised Barcelona to help him become a “better player” and thanked head coach Hansi Flick to restore his confidence.
The 27-year-old, on loans from Manchester United, scored two goals of tremendous quality to help secure an exciting 2-1 win in the Barca Champions League opener on Newcastle on Thursday.
His performance – ahead of England’s boss Thomas Tuchel – is reminiscent of the Rashford of Old, the net opener via a perfectly guided header before producing a rasping hit from Range to decide the game.
In just 90 minutes, Rashford has scored so many goals against the Premier League opposition that Manchester United’s entire team has managed the whole season.
“I learn a lot, it’s a new football style,” he said TNT SPORTS. “But that makes me a better player. Honest, it’s a great experience.
“I’ve always been a huge admirer of Barcelona, ​​every player my age has seen them play, it’s great football.”
When he talked about the influence of Barca chief Hansi Flick, Rashford said, “He is very important. I feel the confidence he has given me. I knew he was a top manager before I arrived here, but working with him is a pleasure.
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Keith Downie reviews Newcastles 2-1 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League in St James’ Park.
“I hope the good relationship continues for the rest of the season.
“Certainly everyone dreams of winning the Champions League. Now I’m at Barcelona, ​​the dream is with Barcelona. I hope we can win the tournament, there is a very good confidence. Hopefully we can go games for games and continue to improve as a team.”
Flick: No-Brainer to sign ‘Excellent’ Rashford
Flick called Rashford an “unbelievers” in the wake of beating Newcastle, revealing that there was no hesitation in signing the tip as there was an opportunity on the market this summer.
“When we got this chance, it was ok, we have to do it,” the German said. “I talked to him before everything went the right way.
“I said, ‘I want you in my team’. For me he is an excellent player. Also the team helps him a lot.
“We checked the fight a lot with Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, it’s not easy to push us. It gives the striker the opportunity to find the right room behind the opponent’s last line and ahead.
“He had this strength that he can use. His speed, his control of the ball and his finishing is incredible.”
Gordon: Rashford among ‘Best in World’
Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon:
“He’s been having a hard time in the past year or so. I’m really happy for him. I know as a footballer that you can go through difficult times and it can feel really lonely.
“He has worked very hard, he seemed very happy the last time I was in England camp with him. He is a good boy. A very nice guy, very shy and he is a top, top player.
“On his day he is among the best players in the world, he scored two amazing goals.”
Rashford a cut over
Analysis of Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
The story of Marcus Rashford has been messy over the past 12 months. Rather, he constructed his own exit from Manchester United and talked publicly about his desire to explore other options before being sent out on loans to Aston Villa.
There were glimpses of his pedigree during this step, but nothing to convince man utd that he was worthy of another chance. Furthermore, it was clear that Ruben Amorim did not want Rashford in his favorite – but so obviously deficient – formation.
However, what he demonstrated on a fever night at St James’ Park is that he remains a player for the big apartment. Two shots on target, two goals and a game’s best 10 touches in the opposition box. This version of Rashford has been too rare. Much less seen in his last days in Manchester. But Spain fits him clearly.
He called his Catalonian adventure “refreshing” and “exciting” postal fight. He played with a freedom that marked both emotions.