Marcus Rashford left frustrated after Barcelona’s equaliser against Manchester United

Marcus Rashford has admitted that Manchester United’s 2-2 draw with Barcelona feels like a loss.

United were 2-1 in front in the first leg of their Europa League play-off round tie at the Nou Camp, with Rashford continuing his sensational form by getting on the scoresheet and playing a part in Jules Kounde‘s own goal.

However, Barcelona, who had taken the lead through Marcos Alonso, managed to pull themselves level courtesy of Raphinha, setting up an intriguing second leg at Old Trafford. 

Speaking on BT Sport, Rashford said: ‘It feels like a loss. I think we did well to get back into the game. The first half was probably a little bit in favour of them. I think we stayed calm, we stayed composed and we tried to create chances when we could. 

‘In the second half we scored two goals in quick succession and we felt in control of the outcome. They’re a good team with top players and they managed to get another one.

Marcus Rashford was frustrated following Barcelona’s equaliser against Manchester United

Rashford continued his fantastic goalscoring form with his 22nd strike of the campaign

Raphinha celebrates after equalising for Barcelona in the 76th minute at the Nou Camp

‘I think we were searching for the chances that little bit more. Maybe it was because we were a goal behind. I felt like we were going for it and trying to score.’

Rashford now has 22 goals for United this season, matching his highest ever tally, which he mustered in the 2019-20 campaign.

The 25-year-old is pleased with the impact that he made but felt that there was a sense of inevitability about Barcelona coming back into the game given the quality that they possess. 

He said: ‘It’s difficult to find an angle to finish from there. I just made my mind up and tried to get as clean a contact as I could and luckily it went in.

‘I think you have to expect them to (come back). They’ve got a lot of top players, a lot of high quality players. If you give them time on the ball they’re going hurt you, it’s as simple as that.’

The United attack was adamant he should have got a free-kick after Jules Kounde’s challenge

Rashford was adamant that he should have been given a free-kick when he was caught by Kounde just outside the area.

Commenting on the incident, Rashford described it as ‘a massive moment’ and added that there was ‘clear contact’. 

He said: ‘It’s a massive moment in the game. I’ve not watched it back, but in the moment I don’t understand why the linesman or the referee thinks I’m going down there. I’ve touched it past him and my foot’s in front of the ball, and he hits my leg, and it’s clear contact. It’s not a penalty but it’s 100 per cent a foul for me, but like I said I’ve not watched it back.’

The second leg is all set up to be another hugely entertaining fixture and Rashford is determined for United to progress in the competition.  

He said: ‘It’s going to be hopefully another good game. Hopefully we can go that one step further.’