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Tag: Rashford

  • UCL: Fermin’s hat-trick, Rashford brace help Barca’s 6-1 win over Olympiacos

    UCL: Fermin’s hat-trick, Rashford brace help Barca’s 6-1 win over Olympiacos

    Fermín López netted a hat-trick and Marcus Rashford scored twice as Barcelona stormed to a 6-1 Champions League win over Olympiacos.

    Lopez struck twice in the first half before completing his treble late on, while Rashford took his group-stage tally to four goals in three games. Lamine Yamal also scored from the spot on a night he became the youngest player to reach 25 Champions League appearances (18 years, 100 days).

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    Olympiacos briefly threatened a comeback after Ayoub El Kaabi converted a penalty following a handball by Eric Garcia, but their hopes faded when Santiago Hezze was sent off minutes later.

    Barcelona now sit on six points from three matches, while Olympiacos remain bottom with one.

  • Rashford stars as Barcelona stun Newcastle in UCL opener

    Rashford stars as Barcelona stun Newcastle in UCL opener

    Marcus Rashford made a spectacular Champions League bow for Barcelona as Newcastle United’s campaign got off to a losing start at St James’ Park.

    Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, became Newcastle’s tormentor when he broke open a tight encounter with two swift second-half goals.

    In front of England head coach Thomas Tuchel, Rashford flashed a fine header beyond Newcastle keeper Nick Pope from Jules Kounde’s cross after 58 minutes to silence a typically feverish Tyneside atmosphere.

    Rashford produced an even better moment nine minutes later when he hammered home a stunning 20-yard drive in off the crossbar past the helpless Pope. These were his first Champions League goals in almost four years.

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    It capped a highly impressive night for Rashford, who figured in the Champions League on loan at Aston Villa last season, playing a full part in Barcelona’s vast array of attacking talent, even without brilliant injured teenager Lamine Yamal.

    Newcastle manager Eddie Howe sprung a selection surprise, leaving new £69m striker Nick Woltemade on the bench in preference to using Anthony Gordon in the central position.

    Gordon struggled to make an impact as Barcelona’s superiority told the longer the game went on, with Rashford as the deadly finisher.

    The England striker was given a deserved standing ovation from Barcelona’s supporters when he was substituted with ten minutes left.

    Newcastle were given hope of a comeback when Gordon slid home a finish at the start of seven minutes of added time, but Barcelona held out.

  • Man Utd forward Rashford passes Barcelona medical

    Man Utd forward Rashford passes Barcelona medical

    Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has passed a medical at Barcelona before his loan move.

    The 27-year-old arrived in Catalonia on Sunday night after getting permission from United to complete the formalities of a move.

    The England international was met by Barcelona manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco at the training ground on Monday morning.

    Talks between Barcelona and United progressed swiftly in the last week, with a deal agreed in principle over the weekend.

    Read Also: Rashford double fires Villa into FA Cup semis

    Barcelona have agreed to cover Rashford’s wages for the duration of his season-long loan after he accepted a 25% pay cut, saving United about £14m.

    The deal, which is for an initial 12 months, includes an option to buy for £30.3m (35m euros).

    Rashford will be presented to the media on Wednesday.

  • Barcelona like Rashford and Diaz – Deco

    Barcelona like Rashford and Diaz – Deco

    Barcelona sporting director Deco says the club “like” Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.

    Reports in Spain this week have linked Colombia international Diaz with a move to the Catalans, while Rashford was holding out for a transfer to the La Liga club in January before joining Aston Villa on loan.

    While there is no indication that Liverpool will listen to offers for Diaz, who has two years remaining on his contract, Rashford is available for around £40m.

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    “We like Luis [Diaz], we like [Marcus] Rashford, and we like other players,” Deco told Catalan radio station RAC1, external.

    “When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team.”

  • Rashford double fires Villa into FA Cup semis

    Rashford double fires Villa into FA Cup semis

    Marcus Rashford’s first goals for Aston Villa inspired a 3-0 win against Preston that sent his side into the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in 10 years.

    Rashford struck twice in the second half at Deepdale to end Preston’s stubborn resistance before Jacob Ramsey wrapped up Villa’s long-awaited return to the last four.

    Villa will face Crystal Palace – 3-0 winners at Fulham on Saturday – in the semi-finals at Wembley on the weekend of April 26-27.

    Revitalised since joining Villa on loan from Manchester United during the January transfer window, Rashford is beginning to show the form that made him one of England’s brightest stars prior to his steep decline over the last two years.

    Amid concerns over his attitude and off-field behaviour, Rashford was deemed expendable by United manager Ruben Amorim, after also clashing with former Old Trafford boss Erik ten Hag.

    The 27-year-old hadn’t scored since netting for United against Everton on December 1.

    Deployed in the central striker’s role that often seemed to dent his confidence at United, Rashford was too dynamic for second-tier Preston to handle in the latest sign that his career might not be destined to end in disappointment after all.

    Read Also: Aston Villa closing in on Rashford loan deal

     “It’s a great feeling, I feel like I’ve been getting fitter and playing better football since I’ve been here. It’s always nice for a forward to get a goal so hopefully it continues,” Rashford said. “I missed a lot of football before joining up with Villa. It’s step by step. My body feels good and I’m enjoying my football for now.

     “We’re very ambitious. We’ll see where it takes us.”

    While struggling United have been mired in turmoil, Rashford has benefited from moving to upwardly mobile Villa.

    Unai Emery’s side have enjoyed a memorable run to the Champions League quarter-finals, where they face Paris Saint-Germain in April.

    They also have an outside chance of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.

    Rashford could be part of a memorable climax to the campaign for Villa, who haven’t won the FA Cup since 1957, with their last final ending in defeat against Arsenal in 2015.

    Sitting 14th  in the Championship, Preston were playing in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1966.

    Paul Heckingbottom’s side were unbeaten in their previous 15 home games in all competitions, but the 1889 and 1938 FA Cup winners were no match for ruthless Villa.

    Rashford’s free-kick forced Preston goalkeeper David Cornell into action before Ezri Konsa’s glancing header whistled just wide from Marco Asensio’s cross.

    Stefan Thordarson wasted a golden opportunity to give Preston a shock lead when he poked wide.

    Rashford was equally profligate after half-time, shooting straight at Cornell from inside the area.

    But Villa broke the deadlock in the 58th  minute as Rashford timed his run perfectly to meet Lucas Digne’s low cross with a clinical finish from 12 yards.

    Morgan Rogers was denied by Cornell moments later as Villa went for the kill.

    And it was Rogers who earned Villa’s penalty in the 63rd minute when the England midfielder was tripped by Andrew Hughes.

    Rashford stepped up to send Cornell the wrong way with a nerveless spot-kick.

    Ramsey put the result beyond doubt eight minutes later, surging towards the Preston area and drilling a powerful strike past Cornell for his fourth goal this season.

  • Aston Villa closing in on loan deal for Rashford

    Aston Villa closing in on loan deal for Rashford

    Aston Villa are closing in on a loan deal for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford before Monday’s transfer deadline.

    Sources have told BBC Sport talks are at an advanced stage, but there is work to be done to finalise the move.

    The prospect of working with Villa boss Unai Emery is understood to be an attractive one for the 27-year-old.

    Rashford has not featured for United since being dropped by head coach Ruben Amorim for the Manchester derby on 12 December.

    Last week Amorim suggested he would rather give a place on the bench to his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach because of a perceived lack of effort by the striker.

    On Wednesday the United boss said he felt his side would be better with Rashford in it, but the player had not met the standards he demands of his squad.

    “Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him – but he has to change,” explained Amorim.

    “If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him] – and we need it. But in this moment we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.

    (BBC)

  • Southgate leaves Rashford, Henderson out of England’s Euro provisional squad

    Southgate leaves Rashford, Henderson out of England’s Euro provisional squad

    Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson have been left out of Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man England squad for Euro 2024.

    Manchester United forward Rashford, 26, has struggled for form this season, scoring seven goals and managing two assists in 33 league appearances.

    He played in seven England games this season before being left out against Belgium in March.

    Rashford shared a screenshot of the training squad on social media, with a message “wishing Gareth and the boys all the best” for the tournament.

    Henderson joined Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia from Liverpool last summer but left them to join a struggling Ajax side in January.

    Southgate continued to pick him following his move to the Saudi Pro League, though he was booed by some England fans on his first game back in the country, against Australia at Wembley in October, which the England manager said at the time “defies logic”.

    Henderson was in the squad for March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium but did not play.

    Southgate will have to cut at least seven players when he confirms his final squad of up to 26 players for the tournament in Germany, with a deadline of midnight on 7 June.

    Read Also: Why I let Rashford take Everton penalty, Bruno Fernandes clarifies

    England provisional squad

    Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Burnley).

    Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

    Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

    Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).” BBC

  • Why I let Rashford take Everton penalty, Bruno Fernandes clarifies

    Why I let Rashford take Everton penalty, Bruno Fernandes clarifies

    Portuguese star Bruno Fernandes has explained why he let Marcus Rashford take a penalty for Manchester United in their 3-0 victory over Everton.

    The England international forward hit a personal-best 30 goals for the Red Devils last season, but headed to Goodison Park in 2023-24 with just one effort to his name. He was able to double that tally from the spot on Merseyside, with club captain Fernandes stepping aside after a VAR review presented United with an opportunity to score their second of the game from 12 yards – following a spectacular overhead kick opener from Alejandro Garnacho.

    Quizzed on why he passed the ball to Rashford, Portuguese playmaker Fernandes – who is the Red Devils’ go-to option on penalty duty – told Sky Sports: “Because I felt that Marcus needed a bit of confidence, needed goals. Marcus is an excellent penalty-taker too. I’m 100 per cent sure that he could score the penalty. It’s not about who takes it, it’s about scoring the penalty and Marcus did it perfectly.”

    Rashford has faced plenty of uncomfortable questions this season, on the back of signing a lucrative new contract at Old Trafford, but Fernandes says none of the 26-year-old’s team-mates have ever doubted his quality. He said when asked if Rashford’s confidence has dipped: “Obviously strikers, wingers, they want to score goals, they need to score goals, that’s part of their game and it gives you a boost. After the penalty, Marcus was unstoppable – he could take on everyone. I think sometimes you need this chance, this opportunity to get confidence back. But Marcus has been great for us. Obviously last season he was amazing, so everyone’s expectations for this season were higher. It’s just about getting his goals back and everyone will stay say that he is world-class again.”

    Read Also: Rashford excited to work with Hojlund

    United boss Erik ten Hag added to BBC Match of the Day when asked how much Rashford needed his goal: “A lot. You see also how great captain Bruno is. He assessed his team-mate needed that goal. He has the confidence in Rashy, who is a good penalty taker. As a team you need that leadership that you back each other. We have to go step by step. This is one step.”

    GOAL

  • Rashford excited to work with Hojlund

    Rashford excited to work with Hojlund

    Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford says he is “super excited” to continue developing his working relationship with Rasmus Hojlund.

    Erik ten Hag recently discussed how he sees Marcus and Rasmus working together on the pitch, insisting that these things take time to develop.

    Our no.10 found the net a whopping 30 times in all competitions last season, while also laying on a further 11 assists, a career best in terms of numbers.

    But with a whole new dynamic and style of play to adapt to now Hojlund has arrived, the England international believes their connection on the pitch is beginning to blossom.

    “I am honestly super excited about it,” began Rashford, speaking to PLP Productions recently.

    “At times last year, we were going on counter-attacks and we would just see shirts of other bodies, and usually, the only the cut-back that was on was to Bruno [Fernandes] who was arriving later.

    “Whereas this year, you have to understand the dynamics have changed, so we have spoken to each other and done a little bit of work off the pitch, probably that the coaching staff don’t even know, between [just] me and him.”

    “I just want to understand his game and for him to understand my game as quickly as possible. So far it has been good and we obviously had the unlucky one at Brighton that got disallowed, but then in the following game we’ve got one where we have combined for a goal, so I am very happy for him.

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    “I’m sure it is a relationship that will help both players, so I am excited for it, excited for the future and I am also so excited that we have so many games coming up because we have so many opportunities to show who we are.”

    With Marcus at times deployed down the middle as the focal point of our attack, his shift back to a wider position has allowed Rasmus to begin to learn where to be when our no.10 picks up the ball.

    Rashford shone further the light on the situation, stating that having the Dane to pick out in different areas is something he hopes again can naturally flourish over time.

    “It’s just the speed we can attack at now is completely different,” he added. “It’s on both sides, whether I am playing as a left striker or as a two up front or I am on the left; it doesn’t really change too much [regarding] my attacking duties.

    “It’s just having that confidence that when you do make a run in behind, someone else on the opposite side is making that run and hopefully it will get to the stage where you won’t even have to look for him, you can just put it in there and we know that he is in and around there.

    “He is a big, strong, physical lad, he has good finishing abilities. So when the chances do come to him, he will score goals.”