Deco explains why Marcus Rashford ‘suffered’ at Manchester United and says Barcelona have ‘happy version’ of England forward
Barcelona sporting director Deco has shared his theory on loanee Marcus Rashford’s struggles at Manchester United – and why the Catalan giants are getting the best of the England striker.
Rashford has revived his career since moving on loan to Barcelona in the summer, scoring six goals and making nine assists in 18 appearances for the La Liga club.
The United academy graduate had previously fallen out of favor at Old Trafford and was publicly criticized by manager Ruben Amorim, with Deco suggesting the pressure of playing for his boyhood club was having a negative impact on the 28-year-old.
Speaking to The Times, the former Barcelona and Chelsea midfielder said: “He’s happy with us. Marcos is a great player. He’s happy with us. Marcos is a great player.”
“He faced the responsibility of becoming an important player at Manchester United, United, like us, is one of the biggest clubs in the world – very small.
“He’s struggled a little bit with that change in generation at United as well. If you see United in the last five years, they’ve struggled to rebuild the team, to be stronger again. He’s been there. So it’s not easy for a player.” [from whom] People ask for a lot.
“When you are an important player, you have a lot of responsibility.”
Deco: Rashford only wanted Barcelona
Rashford impressed as he spent the second half of last season on loan at Premier League side Aston Villa, earning him his place in Thomas Tuchel’s England side.
The Villans have been linked with a permanent move for the striker but Deco says it was Rashford’s eagerness to head to Camp Nou, and his versatility, that convinced them to make the move.
He added: “We were looking for a player like him in the market, a player who can play in the front three positions.”
“We were able to sign Marcos on loan now because he wants to play for Barcelona, he has waited a long time.
“He knew we were dealing with financial rules. But he was patient. He waited and we are glad to have him.”
‘Smart’ Rashford can win titles with Barcelona
Barcelona has enjoyed a revival of its own in recent seasons, recovering from some serious financial problems in previous years to create a squad full of young talent, such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Kuparsi and Pedri.
Deco says the fact the club can attract top talent like Rashford shows how the Blaugrana are on the right track again.
“When you are a smart player like Marcus, [you sign] Not because you like the club, [but because] You want to win titles.”
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2025-12-01 20:17:00
