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(Credit: Getty, Imago)
Edward Bazeley
Fri 19 September 2025 8:41, UK
Marcus Rashford has caught the attention of the footballing world by scoring an impressive brace for Barcelona in their 2-1 win over Newcastle United.
On 18 September, Barcelona got the better of Newcastle to begin their Champions League campaign successfully.
Despite Anthony Gordon’s late goal, Newcastle suffered a defeat to Barcelona in their first Champions League game since the 2023/24 season.
Credit: Imago
After the 27-year-old was offloaded by Ruben Amorim in the summer transfer window, Manchester United fans were ashamed by how well Rashford performed against Newcastle.
Meanwhile, speaking live on CBS Sports on 18 September, Jaydee Dyer said: “Question marks about whether he (Rashford) is able to handle the pressure, mentally adjust himself and more importantly concentrate for what’s required on that pitch.
“What I love about watching this game is he’s grown in this short period at Barcelona.
That’s what you do to pin your defender.
“He’s always been about six foot, so I’m always wondering why he doesn’t score more headed goals, and that second goal, Marcus Rashford‘s been doing that since he was 19 and breaking through into the first team (at Man United).
“That is really the pinnacle of his game, so I hope that builds confidence, his first goals at Barcelona and I hope we start to see the best version of him again.”
Newcastle’s Champions League opener against Barcelona was always going to be a tough task, and the Magpies made a relatively strong account of themselves in a narrow defeat against elite opponents.
Newcastle’s last three resultsAll competitions 2025/26Leeds (A)0-0 DWolves (H)1-0 WBarcelona (H)1-2 LNewcastle have been inconsistent this term
However, even though Newcastle beat Wolves 1-0 in their last Premier League game on Saturday, 13 September, boss Eddie Howe will be largely disappointed by the start his side have made to the new top-flight campaign.
The St James’ Park club endured 0-0 draws with both Aston Villa and Leeds United, either side of their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Liverpool on 25 August.
Howe’s men have managed just one win in the Premier League this term, and need an upturn in form as they vie to land Champions League football once again.
However, the long trip to Bournemouth on Sunday, 21 September, will not be an easy task, as the Cherries have won three of their first four top-flight fixtures.