Marcus Rashford confident Barcelona spell will make him a better player

Marcus Rashford is confident he can be the best version of himself at Barcelona after his first goals for the LaLiga side helped secure a 2-1 win in their Champions League opener at Newcastle.

The 27-year-old, on loan from Manchester United, broke the deadlock with a 58th-minute header and then rifled home a second from distance in front of England boss Thomas Tuchel.

Anthony Gordon pulled a goal back in the 90th minute, but Barcelona saw out seven minutes of added time to open their European campaign with three points.

“It is going good. I am obviously learning a lot,” Rashford said on TNT Sports.

“It is a new way of football, but I am enjoying it all and I think it is making me a better player.

“That is what I am here to do – to help the team win, but also to try to improve and be the best that I can.”

Rashford added: “It is an amazing experience. I have always been a huge admirer of Barcelona, most people my age have watched them play from when we were younger.

“It is amazing football and amazing players. We just want to win as much as possible.

“I am very motivated and determined. The quality we have in the team excites me. It is so refreshing to play with these players.”

Rashford felt Newcastle did not make it an easy night for the LaLiga champions.

“Here is not an easy place to play football, I know that first hand,” he said.

“The first half was very cagey. We did well, we tried to control the game in spells, but it is very difficult to play against this team.

“I am really pleased we managed to win.”