Marcus Rashford had a night to remember for Barcelona in the Champions League against Newcastle.
Arriving back in England to face Premier League opposition for the first time since leaving Manchester United, we can be sure that Marcus Rashford had a point to prove.
Rashford was in the starting line-up for Barcelona and repaid this faith as he scored twice, with his second goal a world class strike.
Bruno Fernandes was full of praise for Rashford as he scored from range with what ended up the winner in a 2-1 victory in the Champions League.
United fans were also impressed by Rashford, as the 27-year-old looked like he was back to his very best in that bright coloured Barcelona jersey.
Additionally, Rashford was raved about by Spanish press, with one labelling him ‘Sir Marcus Rashford’, and another rating his performance 10/10.
Now, Hansi Flick has reacted.
Hansi Flick not shocked by Marcus Rashford’s goals for Barcelona
Rashford’s performance meant he was guaranteed to be the talk of the post game press conference for Flick.
As broadcast by AS, this was exactly how it panned out for Flick, with plenty of praise being heaped onto Rashford.
“I’m not surprised, I said yesterday that I think he’s a fantastic player, a great talent. His skills are unbelievable, his finishing is unbelievable. Important player for us. Deco and I we spoke before the season of what we need, and we needed a player like him so happy to have him here.”
In the mixed zone after the game, Flick spoke with BeIn Sport, explaining how important the goals are for Rashford.
“To be honest, I expect it, but I’m really happy for him. His last few years were not easy. The confidence he’ll get from these two goals, he can make the next step.
“For a striker, it’s important to score goals and sometimes he will create a lot of chances, but to finish this is an important thing, we love that he did it this way, I’m happy.”
After the game, Rashford returned the favour as he praised Flick, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.
“I feel the confidence that coach Hansi Flick has given me”. I knew he was a great coach before I got here, but working with him is a real pleasure”.
- READ MORE: Who is Marcus Rashford? Inside the life of Man Utd’s book-writing, government-tackling ace
Demetri Mitchell can’t believe Manchester United let Marcus Rashford go
While the vast majority of discourse around Rashford is positive as he is clearly enjoying his football again, at United there is a frustration that he is not in red.
Demetri Mitchell summed this up as he took to X with a rant about United’s handling of Rashford.
“Marcus Rashford is still the best player contracted to Manchester United.”
Continuing in a separate X post, Mitchell shared his disbelief over the decision.
“Man United are the only club in the world that could send their best player that’s from the academy on loan to the best team in the world. It’s like City sending Foden on loan to Madrid off the back of last season just wouldn’t happen.”
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