Marcus Rashford has belatedly arrived at Barcelona – and all it took was a return to England to spark the Manchester United misfit into life, with the forward netting a breathtaking brace in the Blaugrana's 2-1 win over Newcastle at St. James' Park.

Despite sitting deep, the home side caused the Spanish champions plenty of problems on the break during the first half, with Anthony Elanga particularly lively. However, Rashford broke the deadlock just before the hour mark with a fantastic header that Alan Shearer would have been proud of, and then completely silenced St. James' Park with a thumping strike from outside the area that also evoked memories of Newcastle's legendary No.9.

Credit to the Magpies, they kept battling and pulled a goal back in the final minute of normal time when Anthony Gordon turned in Jacob Murphy's ring-wing cross but it was very much a case of too little, too late.

Below, GOAL rates all of the Barcelona players on show as Rashford revived his hopes of representing England at next year's World Cup…

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Joan Garcia (7/10):

Already looking like one of the signings of the season. The former Espanyol goalkeeper maintained his excellent start to his Barcelona career thanks in no small part to a brilliant save from Harvey Barnes when the game was still scoreless. 

Jules Kounde (6/10):

Picked out Rashford in the area for the game's opening goal but also lost Gordon late on when the England international breathed new life into the game.

Pau Cubarsi (7/10):

By no means flawless but incredible to think he's still only 18 years of age. Another impressively composed performance at the heart of the Barca defence before being withdrawn with just over 20 minutes to go.

Ronald Araujo (7/10):

Got the nod ahead of Andreas Christensen to partner Cubarsi and justified his inclusion with a commanding display, even if his passing was a bit wayward at times.

Gerard Martin (5/10):

The weak link in Barca's backline, Martin was given all sorts of problems by Anthony Elanga (who was inexplicably subbed in the second half by Eddie Howe!) and went in the book for a tactical foul on Bruno Guimaraes just before the break.

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Frenkie de Jong (7/10):

The Dutchman helped Barca take the sting out of the game with his typically precise passing. As a neutral, good to see him back to his best.

Pedri (7/10):

By no means his most impressive display but the Spain international never looked remotely ruffled by the initially raucous atmosphere. Just so hard to get the ball off – and almost never gives it away.

Fermin Lopez (5/10):

Unable to maintain his recent good form. Fermin only created one chance and never looked like scoring. 

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Raphinha (5/10):

Showed some good touches here and there, and his work-rate was good, as per usual. But he was pretty poor by his high standards.

Robert Lewandowski (4/10):

Can't fault the Pole for effort. He was never afraid to have a go and, on another day, he might have scored at least once. But this was his first start of the season after his recent fitness issues  – and it showed.

Marcus Rashford (9/10):

Absolutely sensational! Rashford kickstarted his Barcelona career in stunning fashion and it's now going to be fascinating to see if he can build on his wonderful double.

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Andreas Christensen (6/10):

Came on for Cubarsi and helped Barca see out the game – just about.

Ferran Torres (5/10):

Took over up top from Lewandowski but didn't get a sight of goal.

Eric Garcia (N/A):

Only came on for the final 10 minutes. 

Dani Olmo (N/A):

Part of a late double substitution with Garcia. 

Marc Casado (N/A):

Brought on for Fermin in injury time to waste a few precious seconds.

Hansi Flick (7/10):

Barca weren't at their brilliant best – the absence of Yamal was undoubtedly a factor in that regard – but they got the job done and Flick will be thrilled with Rashford's contribution.