By Robert Hynes,Stephen Killen

Copyright irishmirror

Marcus Rashford is relishing his time at Barcelona after netting his maiden goal since escaping his Manchester United ordeal, describing it as an ‘incredible journey’. The 27-year-old showered his new boss Hansi Flick with acclaim as his brace sealed Barcelona’s 2-1 Champions League victory over Newcastle United.

The England striker got off the mark for the La Liga titleholders with a display that highlighted his quality. Rashford left United on a temporary deal during the summer window after losing his place under Ruben Amorim.

He showed flashes of his talent during his loan spell at Aston Villa last season, which secured his England recall, before completing his move to the Spanish champions this summer. Rashford’s double sunk the Magpies as he almost single-handedly steered Barcelona to triumph, first finding the net with a expertly-placed header.

He seized the limelight with a stunning long-range effort that extended Flick’s team’s lead. The United youth product sang the praises of the former Bayern Munich chief, months after Amorim explained why he couldn’t earn his way back into the Portuguese tactician’s plans at Old Trafford.

“He’s [Hansi Flick] is a top man, top coach and he’ll be delighted with not just the three points but the way we won,” Rashford proclaimed after the final whistle. “Most goal kicks, they’re pressing so high, we still tried to play out from the back, it doesn’t work all the time but we looked a positive team and with the quality we have, we can always make things happen.”, reports the Mirror.

Back in February, the former Sporting CP boss Amorim acknowledged a fundamental disagreement over footballing approaches with Rashford, which eventually resulted in his transfer to Villa.

“I couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football and to train the way I see it,” Amorim confessed. “Sometimes you have one player that is really good with one coach, and the same player with another coach is different.

“I wish the best to Rashford and to [Villa manager] Unai Emery, and they can connect because he’s a very good player.”

Rashford was instrumental in Barcelona’s triumphant opening to their League Phase campaign, as they set their sights on bettering last season’s semi-final showing. The striker is determined to assist them in reaching that objective.

Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “It’s going good, learning a lot, it’s a new way of football but I’m enjoying it all and I think it’s making me a better player. So that’s what I’m here to do, I’m here to help the team win but improve and be the best I can.

“Honestly, it’s an amazing experience. I’ve always been a huge admirer of Barcelona, people my age have watched them from when we was younger, amazing football, amazing players and we want to win as much as possible.

“100 percent, I’m full of excitement. I’m determined, motivated and the quality in the team it’s refreshing. The team is so young, they play with such confidence and understanding of the game, here isn’t an easy place to come. I’ve won here a few times where we’ve not played the way we wanted to play, we gave a good account of ourselves and got the three points.

“It’s to win it, nothing else is on our minds. We know how tough the competition is, last year they almost got there but this year it’s about going one step more.”