Ruben Amorim braced for Marcus Rashford response as hint dropped over Man United player

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford will touch down in England on Wednesday to prepare for Barcelona's Champions League clash with Newcastle.

Marcus Rashford looks set to be given the chance to show Ruben Amorim what he's missing when Barcelona face Newcastle United in the Champions League.

Rashford, 27, is coming into form after scoring for England during the international break and registering his first assist for Barca in Sunday's 6-0 thrashing of Valencia. The Manchester United loanee's in-swinging cross was met by former Leeds forward Raphinha, who made it 2-0 just after half-time.

Rashford wasn't able to get on the scoresheet himself, but doubles from Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski gave Barcelona a confidence-boosting win to prepare them for Thursday's trip to the North East.

It was an especially pleasing result for Barca given the absence of Lamine Yamal. The Spain superstar is struggling with pain in his 'pubic area' and missed the win on Sunday.

There had been optimism that 18-year-old Yamal would be fit for the Newcastle game, but it's ultimately come too soon for the Euros winner. On Wednesday, ahead of flying to Newcastle, Barcelona published their 22-man squad list and Yamal was conspicuous by his absence.

It hints that Rashford has a strong chance of starting at St James' Park on his return to England, with Hansi Flick's other option to replace Yamal - summer signing Roony Bardghji - having been brought off at half-time against Valencia.

Raphinha will likely play on the opposite flank, with either Ferran Torres or Lewandowski as the striker. Rashford, who was not part of Ruben Amorim's plans for United moving forward, has a respectable nine goals and assists in 15 games against Newcastle.

The England international memorably scored for United in the 2023 Carabao Cup final in a 2-0 success at Wembley.

Flick wants to get the best out of Rashford during his season-long loan, which The Manchester Evening News understands Barca can make permanent next summer for £30million.

"He gives us more possibilities," the Barcelona boss explained last month. I know he's more comfortable playing as a winger, but with his strengths, he contributes a lot to our play.

"I'm confident we'll see a great Marcus Rashford this season."

Lewandowski also has high hopes for Rashford. "He has pretty huge potential," Barca's No.9 told ESPN.

"You know, as a player, he has everything. He's fast with the ball, he's really good one-against-one. He can help us a lot and really should.

"Of course, that expectation can be high for him but if shows his best football he will be really good and I hope he can help us a lot this season."

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