Marcus Rashford speaks out on ‘refreshing’ Barcelona move after Newcastle brace

Marcus Rashford scored his first two Barcelona goals on Thursday night (Picture: Getty Images)

Marcus Rashford was the star of the show as Barcelona beat Newcastle on Thursday night and says he is loving life in his ‘refreshing’ new surroundings.

The England forward slipped out of contention at Manchester United under Ruben Amorim and spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, before joining Barca for the current campaign.

The 27-year-old went four La Liga outings without a goal but scored his first two for his new club in the Champions League at St James’ Park.

Rashford had actually been pretty quiet before he expertly nodded in Barcelona’s first on 58 minutes.

That was a decent goal but it was blown out of the water by his second as he hammered in a beautiful, dipping effort from outside the box.

Anthony Gordon made things interesting very late on, but the game finished 2-1 and Rashford had fired his side to victory in their first European outing of the season.

The on-loan forward was asked about his new life in Catalonia and he only had very positive things to say, loving his time with Barca so far.

Rashford won Player of the Match thanks to his brace at St James’ Park (Picture: Getty Images)

‘It’s going good,’ he told TNT Sports. ‘Obviously learning a lot, it’s a new way of football. I’m enjoying it all and I think it’s making me a better player. That’s what I’m here to do, help the team win but also try and improve and be the best I can.

‘Honestly it’s an amazing experience, I’ve always been a huge admirer of Barcelona. Most people my age have watched them play from when we were younger, so it’s amazing football, amazing players and we just want to win as much as possible.’

Rashford suggested it was something of a change from his life at Manchester United, saying his young, talented, confident teammates have been refreshing.

‘I’m full of excitement,’ he continued. ‘I’m very motivated, very determined and the quality we’ve got in the team, that excites me alone.

‘It’s refreshing to play with these guys. I’ve said it a few times but the team’s so young, they play with such confidence, such understanding of the game.’

Rashford was also full of praise for his new manager, Hansi Flick, who is sure will be thrilled with how Barcelona performed against an intense, physical Newcastle in a feisty atmosphere.

‘He’s a top coach, top man manager and he’ll be delighted today,’ said Rashford of his boss. ‘With the three points and the confidence that the team showed, believing in the way we wanted to play.

Hansi Flick is looking to rejuvenate Rashford at Barcelona (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Most goal kicks, they’re pressing so high and we’re still trying to play from the back, the times we got out we looked like a positive team and with the quality we have we can always make things happen.’

Rashford’s own confidence is obviously improving, as his second goal proved, and as he speaks about his team’s ambition in the Champions League.

‘It’s only to win it, nothing else is on our minds,’ he said. ‘We know how tough the competition is. It’s going to be really trough.

Rashford stole the show thanks to his second goal in particular (Picture: Getty Images)

‘Last year they almost got there so this year it’s just about improving and trying to go one step more.’

Flick said of Rashford’s display: ‘I’m not surprised. I said yesterday he is a fantastic player, great talent. His skills are unbelievable, his finishing unbelievable.

‘When we spoke before the season, we decided we need a player like him.’

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