Marcus Rashford ran riot in the Champions League for Barcelona after returning to England and appeared to send a message to Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim
Marcus Rashford sent a pointed message to Ruben Amorim during his spectacular display for Barcelona in the Champions League.
The Manchester United academy prospect enjoyed a statement performance in his side’s 2-1 away victory over Newcastle United. Rashford, 27, endured a frustrating first half where several attempts at goal were blocked by brave Newcastle defenders.
However, he came alive after the restart, scoring two brilliant goals in his first appearance in England with Hansi Flick’s side. The first was a 12-yard, pinpoint header from a Jules Kounde cross, which left Magpies goalkeeper Nick Pope with no chance.
Rashford was not necessarily known for his aerial threat during his time at Old Trafford, but his second goal was the kind of strike that made him one of the country’s most exciting young players.
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He dinked inside a Newcastle challenge and struck a 25-yard effort which spectacularly flew into the far corner off the underside of the post.
There was a major difference in the celebrations of both of his goals. When Rashford headed in his first, he reacted with sheer, unbridled delight, having found the net in the competition for the first time since October 2021.
However, after finding the top corner with his incredible second, Rashford jogged over to the corner flag and put his right index finger to his head. It was a pose most United fans would associate with the England international.
Considering the manner of his celebration, it may have even been a message to Amorim, who banished him from the first team for the best part of a year. The Portuguese boss voiced his displeasure with Rashford’s attitude in training and left him out of his plans, before loaning him to Aston Villa last January.
Amorim sent Rashford to the so-called ‘Bomb Squad’ this summer, where he remained until Barcelona loaned him. He had been getting up to speed with the the La Liga side, up until last weekend.
In Barcelona’s 6-0 demolition of Valencia, Rashford contributed an impressive assist, finding Raphinha with a precise, in-swinging delivery. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick rewarded him with a start against Newcastle and it’s safe to say Rashford took his opportunity.
The German substituted him for Dani Olmo in the 82nd minute, when his work for the evening was certainly done. The only negative for Rashford is he has set the bar very high for a fanbase who is used to watching world class wingers.
Most significantly for Rashford, the Englishman’s brace was completed in front of Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel, who was watching the match at St. James’ Park.
Meanwhile, United’s new, £200million attacking tripartite Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have only contributed one goal between them in all competitions.
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