Marcus Rashford will be given the chance to shine against Premier League opposition in the Champions League when Barcelona take on Newcastle on Thursday night.
After chasing a move to Barcelona during the summer, Marcus Rashford joined the La Liga champions on loan and will be trying to prove his worth to Hansi Flick throughout the season.
The 27-year-old joined Barcelona on loan with an option to buy him permanently next year.
Furthermore, Barça agreed to pay the entirety of Rashford’s wages, which means United have no financial commitments to Rashford until the end of the season unless he remains in Catalonia.
Rashford has shown better form in recent weeks after scoring for England during the September international break. He also registered his first assist for Barcelona as they beat Valencia 6-0 on Sunday, setting up former Premier League star Raphinha, on the brink of half-time.
The aim for Rashford now is to build on that with more goal contributions in a Barcelona shirt.
Marcus Rashford playing against Valencia
Photo by LLUIS GENE/AFP via Getty Images
Hansi Flick backs Marcus Rashford to shine vs Newcastle
Barcelona travel to St James’ Park to take on Newcastle on Thursday night.
Flick’s side begin their Champions League campaign as one of the favourites, while Newcastle return to Europe’s most prestigious competition after missing out entirely last year.
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Barcelona will be without 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal due to a groin injury.
Speaking to reporters ahead of their first Champions League game of the season, Flick hailed Rashford, saying (via France24): “I have really followed Marcus since he started at Manchester and I always said ‘Wow! What kind of player he is, he is unbelievable.’
“He has speed but also in a one-against-one situation, he’s really fantastic and also his finishing, it’s unbelievable.
“What I saw in the first weeks here, it’s really good and I think he also has some more potential he can show us and of course he wants to do this. For me, it’s great to have him in my team.”
Rashford’s impressive record against Newcastle
Rashford has been involved in nine goals against Newcastle.
The England international faced the Magpies 15 times and enjoyed a good record, winning nine of these games compared to Newcastle’s four wins.
Games Wins Draws Losses Goals Assists
15 9 2 4 5 4
Marcus Rashford record vs Newcastle
Rashford will be looking for his 10th goal contribution against Newcastle – although this time in a Barcelona shirt.