Napoli's Rasmus Hojlund and Barcelona's Marcus Rashford - who are both on loan from Manchester United - impressed in the Champions League on Wednesday night
Gary Lineker has heaped praise on Manchester United loan duo Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund following their impressive Champions League displays on Wednesday evening. Rashford, 27, maintained his superb recent run with an assist for Barcelona in their clash with Paris Saint-Germain. The England star delivered a pinpoint pass to former Manchester City striker Ferran Torres, who coolly finished past the PSG goalkeeper.
Following a sluggish beginning to his spell in Catalonia, Rashford has now netted twice and registered five assists across his previous six outings under Hansi Flick. Looking back at Rashford's Barcelona journey so far, Lineker believes it has been "encouraging" to witness him featuring regularly for his new team.
Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast, he said: "I think Marcus has started well at Barcelona. He's getting a lot of football. People were saying, 'he's not going to get a game.'
"Obviously you're always going to get little knocks and injuries to certain players, and he seems to be rotating quite a lot, but Marcus has started a lot of games in the Champions League.
"Of the three goals that Barcelona have scored, he scored two of them and assisted the other one– really good pass. Good start, I think it's encouraging. You can see they really like him.
"Even at the weekend– I mean his assist at the weekend was in the league, it was a corner, but all the players ran to him. It's a really good sign. You need that. I'm pleased."
As for Hojlund, he netted twice for Napoli during their 2-1 triumph over Sporting CP. The Danish striker opened his account after latching onto a superb delivery from Kevin De Bruyne before slotting past the keeper.
De Bruyne then provided another assist as his delivery was nodded home by Hojlund for his second of the evening, wrapping up a triumphant night for Antonio Conte's men.
Hojlund has bagged three goals in five outings for Napoli since his switch from United, with his other strike coming on his bow against Fiorentina.
"I know De Bruyne was brilliant in the game as well yesterday, but Rasmus Hojlund scored two goals," Lineker added. "Everybody who is leaving Manchester United seems to be doing really well. But it just shows you, doesn't it?".
Both Rashford and Hojlund departed United on loan in the summer, with Antony and Jadon Sancho amongst the others to exit the Reds after Ruben Amorim made it clear they were not in his plans.
Meanwhile, United return to action when they welcome Sunderland to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon. The Reds are seeking to recover following last weekend's 3-1 loss against Brentford.
Yieainort
0
I think you right, but it is not about the coach.it’s about the old stars and Ferguson and the players. The English Premier League is the hardest one, so it’s easy to say that they are playing better in another league which is more easy. Not everybody can make an impact in the Premier League they are the examples of that, but you can find a lot of players in the past. In Spain and in Italy the environment is different. Anthony is a hero in Sevilla and what he was done at United it was a joke. United has a high XG, they are in the top three xG, but if you don’t score, it’s not a coach.
You are writing like Rashford was new to the premier league. You are forgetting that this is a player that has already done it at a tender age. How does the premier league become tough for him at his peak?
Zebeiklno
0
Hojlund dos not wanted to leave United but this idiot coach was the one forced the player to go, while he was the one bad influence in United club.
Emmysomto
4
Barca is organized Napoli is Organized Man u is not.
Pundit69
0
I think you right, but it is not about the coach.it’s about the old stars and Ferguson and the players. The English Premier League is the hardest one, so it’s easy to say that they are playing better in another league which is more easy. Not everybody can make an impact in the Premier League they are the examples of that, but you can find a lot of players in the past. In Spain and in Italy the environment is different. Anthony is a hero in Sevilla and what he was done at United it was a joke. United has a high XG, they are in the top three xG, but if you don’t score, it’s not a coach.
heffkay
3
The issues at United are complicated: 1. The coach doesn't want to change his approach at all and moving like a one way traffic. 2. The legend of Sir Alex Ferguson is still hunting, i.e. the fans wants it quick and do it like Ferguson mentality but the truth is no one can be like SAF. 3. The LEGENDS or old players are too talkative and full of critics. If those aforementioned is taken care of, then United is ready to go. Peace ✌️ out.