Marcus Rashford delivered a masterful display at St James' Park, netting twice as Barcelona defeated Newcastle in their Champions League clash to remind Manchester United what they are missing.
The Red Devils loanee hushed the home supporters with two exceptional finishes that proved decisive in securing three crucial points for the Spanish giants.
Despite Anthony Gordon's late strike for the hosts, Rashford's brilliance had already settled the outcome.
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Rashford couldn't hide his enthusiasm about his new chapter.
Marcus Rashford was in top form as he netted twice in a 2-1 win over Newcastle
|REUTERS/TNT SPORTS
"It's an amazing experience. I've always been a huge admirer of Barcelona. We want to win as much as possible," he said.
The forward acknowledged the challenge of facing Newcastle at their home ground.
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"This isn't an easy place to play football. The first half was cagey. It's very difficult to play against this team."
When asked if he feels he made the right decision in leaving Manchester United, Rashford replied: "100 per cent. I'm full of excitement.
"I'm very motivated and determined. The quality we have in the team excites me. It's so refreshing to play with these players."
Marcus Rashford thumped home his second goal of the match with ferocious pace and power
|REUTERS
Rashford's first strike came from Jules Kounde's precise left-footed delivery, which he met with a powerful glancing header that flew beyond Nick Pope. The forward had cleverly created space by evading Fabian Schar before making perfect contact.
His second goal showcased even greater quality. Describing the moment, Rashford explained: "It was a split second, I felt there was a gap. I thought try to get a shot off.
"Their player was trying to block it so I tried to lift it. I knew when I caught it it would take the keeper some going to stop it."
The 20-yard effort crashed against the crossbar's underside before nestling in the net, leaving Pope helpless.
Regarding his new manager, Rashford praised Flick's approach. "He's a top coach, a top man manager," he stated.
When questioned about Barcelona's Champions League aspirations, Rashford was unequivocal. "It's only to win it. Nothing else is on our minds. We know how tough the competition is."
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Flick reciprocated the admiration, telling TNT Sports: "We always see this from Rashford in training and we saw it today.
"I'm happy for him. In the offence we have a lot of good players and he's one. I'm happy to have him. He gives us more options to follow the match. It's great to have him."
The German coach believes these goals will prove transformative, adding: "These two goals will help a lot to get Marcus to the next step.
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Marcus Rashford proved a point to United over letting him leave as they languish
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"It's so important he has the confidence and feels OK. These goals are unbelievable for him for the next steps."