It was the reintroduction Marcus Rashford desperately wanted.
The Barcelona loanee may hardly have chosen a greater stage to reannounce himself to the soccer world, not least to Barcelona chiefs and a watching Thomas Tuchel within the stands at St James’ Park.
And with starboy Lamine Yamal sidelined by way of harm, Rashford needed to step up, and did.
His first half was lukewarm, his second half was blistering.
Rashford’s excellent double and first targets for Barcelona handed the Catalans a 2-1 win at Newcastle in what was hardly the simplest begin to their Champions League marketing campaign.
The England worldwide hadn’t scored earlier than Thursday night time however was inching ever nearer sport by sport as he tailored to his new environment.
The strain had been on. If Rashford is to completely escape his Outdated Trafford hell subsequent summer time, then nothing lower than an ideal season can unfold if he’s to persuade cash-strapped Barcelona into stumping up the funds.
Sadly for the Magpies, he made them his first sufferer as he rolled again the years with an excellent show.
How did Bruno Fernandes react to Rashford’s efficiency?
However that was of no shock to these he had just lately left behind at Outdated Trafford, together with Bruno Fernandes.
The Manchester United captain’s midweek ventures are rather less cluttered today that means he may sit again and revel in his former teammates’ second-half masterclass.
And it didn’t take lengthy for Fernandes to react on social media with a message so many may most likely relate to.
Firstly he posted a video of Rashford’s beautiful second purpose earlier than later commenting on Rashford’s Instagram put up.
Fernandes posted a meme with Rashford’s face on it alongside the phrases: “If you happen to’re not taking dangers, you’re doing one thing mistaken.”
The put up appeared to offer backing to Rashford’s need to go away Outdated Trafford and take a look at his hand in a distinct membership and nation.
It didn’t finish there although as his backers queued as much as give him his flowers.
Ex-United teammate and fellow bomb squad member Alejandro Garnacho replied to Rashford’s put up with ‘wow’. Jadon Sancho additionally received in on the act with a hearth and a clapping emoji.
Rasmus Hojlund, who just lately accomplished a mortgage change to Napoli, chimed in writing: “Effectively completed Marcus.”
If the age-old saying of ‘true associates will at all times imagine in your potential’ ever rang true then it was on Thursday night time.
And for the watching Fernandes who has regularly been linked with a transfer away from Outdated Trafford, his put up may present him with some meals for thought.
Fernandes, who little question believes his personal skills justify enjoying in Europe’s premier membership competitors, has not featured within the Champions League since United have been embarrassingly dumped out on the group stage in December 2023.
Nonetheless, it was Rashford who reigned supreme on Tyneside and later spoke of his delight at representing the Catalan giants.
Rashford has discovered his smile
“Taking part in for Barca is an incredible expertise. I’ve at all times been an enormous admirer of Barcelona. We need to win as a lot as attainable,” Rashford stated.
“I’m full of pleasure. I’m very motivated and decided. The standard we have now within the staff excites me. It’s so refreshing to play with these gamers.”
In the meantime, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick was delighted at Rashford’s efficiency and hinted that it was one thing he noticed coming sooner slightly than later.
“We at all times see this from Rashford in coaching and we noticed it right here. I’m completely satisfied for him,” stated Flick.
“Within the offense we have now numerous good gamers and he’s one. I’m completely satisfied to have him. He offers us extra choices to comply with the match. It’s nice to have him.
“These two targets will assist so much to get Marcus to the following step. It’s so essential he has the boldness and feels OK. These targets are unbelievable for him for the following steps.”
