There is no substantial difference between an axial compressor, fan, and propeller. They all apply a rearward force on air, and therefore the air applies a forward force on the blade.
Agree until such time that it stops rotating about the eng drive shaft and moves purely in translation with some rotation about it's own CG thus altering the incident angle on the blade with the air. Then 5 milliseconds later it develops significant friction against the outer fan case structure and is guided by these forces at the tip which far outweigh any aero forces by many factors.