Is Rashford on road to redemption at Barcelona after sinking Newcastle?

One of the top stages of global football has become Marcus Rashford’s most recent stop on the path to redemption, which has made him famous in Barcelona.

The 27-year-old England international, who struggled at Manchester United and was brutally exiled by head coach Ruben Amorim, may have found success on loan at Barcelona thanks to Hansi Flick’s skilled guidance.

Following an earlier, less than stellar, and prematurely ended loan loan spell at Aston Villa, many people felt Rashford was fortunate to have been given a platform.

He will be aware that if he doesn’t succeed at Barcelona, he is unlikely to have another chance at a club of this caliber.

Rashford’s opening Champions League game against Newcastle at St James’ Park was a stunning nine-minute display of the thrilling talent he once displayed and still has.

Even though Rashford has become a somewhat wandering star, it was all done in front of England head coach Thomas Tuchel, who still has faith in keeping him in his squad.

In a fleeting first-half moment, Rashford had made an early hint about what was to come, especially when an extravagant dummy led Kieran Trippier’s trail, only to ruin his excellent work with a subpar finish.

When he opened up what had been a close encounter, getting on the end of Jules Kounde’s right-hand cross to direct a powerful header past Newcastle keeper Nick Pope, it all changed on 58 minutes.

Rashford scored this champions league goal for Barcelona for the first time in almost four years.

Nine minutes later, arguably his best work to date, came in at the most impressive moment.

He grabbed possession 20 yards out before flashing a stunning finish past Pope in a matter of seconds, the strike being made even more spectacular by kissing the bar before hitting the back of the net. Little did Newcastle’s manager notice it, let alone had a chance to take action.

Rashford declined to accept the applause of Barcelona’s fans who were perched high in the Leazes End, breaking the previous furore committed by Newcastle’s supporters.

Flick, a coach for Barcelona, said: “We always see this from Rashford in training and we saw it here. I’m pleased for him.

He is one of the offense’s many talented players. I’m delighted to have him. He gives us more options for following the game. He’s wonderful to have.

“These two objectives will greatly aid in moving Marcus to the next step,” the author writes. He must feel secure and have the confidence that it is necessary. He is utterly unaware of these objectives for the coming years.

Rashford, who has been hurt by his recent experiences and needs to be brought out of his shell, might benefit from Flick’s sympathetic approach.

After opening the scoring, he looked like a player who had a weight that had been suddenly lifted off his shoulders.

“Playing for Barca is an amazing experience,” Rashford said. I’ve always had a huge admiration for Barcelona. We aim to have the best chance of winning.

” 100% I’m full of excitement. I have a lot of drive and determination. I find the team’s professionalism inspiring. Playing with these players is so enjoyable.

Rashford might not even have started if Barcelona’s 18-year-old genius Lamine Yamal had been fit, but football is about opportunities and opportunities, and he exploited them brilliantly.

The most recent player to leave Manchester United and suggest that they may have lost something, including Napoli’s Scott McTominay, is Rashford, who has recently been sent on his way.

Eddie Howe’s side had some of the best moments, especially when Anthony Elanga set up a first-half chance that Harvey Barnes should have scored, thanks to another former Old Trafford forward, who is now on a £55million move from Nottingham Forest.

Dean Henderson, a former United keeper, won the FA Cup and the England medal at Crystal Palace, and Rasmus Hojlund, a much-despised striker, started in goal for Napoli.

Alvaro Carreras, who was sold to Benfica in January 2024, has just signed for Real Madrid, which is thought to be worth about £50 million.

“Marcus demonstrated what a top, top player he is,” he said. On the Champions League Match of the Day, former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt claimed that we forgot about his talent but that he showed that he is a real top talent and that he is a “old Marcus.”

He was very positive about what he was doing, as well as his workrate. He has threatened a goal from a young age, and his first goal was an incredible header.

He has that in his locker because it was an unbelievable strike for the second goal. He was the best player and a great ball-striker.

When Manchester United is struggling, Ruben Amorim will be reflecting on how he has handled the situation. He needs an arm around you, and he needs to show that he can do it, and you need to be loved.

After 82 minutes, Rashford received a deafening standing ovation from the visiting supporters. After the final whistle, the acclaim was repeated.

Watch highlights of every Champions League game on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sport, and the BBC Sport website and app from 12:00 to eve of the match.