Barcelona Boss Reveals How Marcus Rashford 'Endured Torment' at Manchester United
Barcelona's sporting director Deco has indicated that Marcus Rashford was perhaps "too young" when thrust into the Manchester United limelight, during a turbulent period in the club's recent history, and is now "content" at Camp Nou.
Rashford netted 138 goals across 426 matches for United starting from age 18, making an explosive debut in 2016. However, the club experienced numerous transitions under various managerial changes and rebuilding phases throughout nearly a decade, with Rashford potentially carrying an unfair burden as a key figure in an underachieving squad from age 21.
Despite excelling during the 2022–23 season under Erik ten Hag—becoming the first United player since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure a decade prior to reach 30 goals in one campaign—Rashford had otherwise delivered disappointing statistics since 2021.
Following his swift marginalization by Ruben Amorim shortly after the Portuguese manager's arrival last November, Rashford concluded 2024–25 at Aston Villa before moving to Barcelona for the 2025–26 term. With 17 goals and assists in just 18 matches for the club thus far, the 28-year-old has clearly rediscovered his form.
"He's content with us," Deco revealed in a conversation with The Times, suggesting Rashford felt differently about his situation at United.
"Marcus is an exceptional talent. He faced the burden of becoming a key player at Man Utd—United, like ourselves, are among the world's elite clubs—at too young an age. He also struggled with United's generational transition. Looking at United over the past five years, they've encountered challenges rebuilding their squad to regain strength. He experienced all of that. It's challenging for a player when expectations are high. As an influential player, you carry significant responsibility."
Barcelona had entered the 2025 summer window once more pursuing Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, but again failed to persuade the Spain international—or secure the necessary funds—to depart Bilbao. Rashford seemed like a secondary option, a notion that club president Joan Laporta dismissed after the Englishman's actual signing.
Reflecting now, Deco maintains that Rashford was a perfect acquisition due to his adaptability across all three forward positions—either wing or centrally as a striker.
"We sought a player of his profile in the market," the former midfielder added. "Someone capable of operating in all three forward roles. We managed to secure Marcus on loan due to his eagerness to represent Barcelona. He waited extensively. He understood we were navigating financial constraints. Yet he remained patient. He waited and we're delighted to have him."
Will Barcelona Sign Rashford Permanently?
Aston Villa possessed a £40 million ($52.9 million) clause to acquire Rashford permanently after their initial loan arrangement concluded last season and chose not to exercise it. Barcelona have a comparable clause, though it reflects the player's previous difficulties and is reduced: approximately £28 million.
Should Rashford, who accepted a 25% salary reduction to facilitate his Spanish move, maintain his current performance level, it appears a shrewd investment for someone who has previously shown his capacity to be decisive at elite level, given proper circumstances.
The challenge Barcelona might encounter remains financial. The Catalans haven't fully escaped their difficulties, having carefully managed resources for five years, though returning to Camp Nou should assist through gradual matchday revenue increases as stadium renovations near completion and permitted capacity expands.
Rashford's clause likely expires when the loan concludes on June 30—the official 2025–26 season end. Should Barcelona fail to activate their discounted clause by then, Rashford might enter the open market. They would subsequently face paying more if other clubs demonstrate genuine interest—based on the player's renewed form—and Manchester United stimulate a bidding competition to increase the fee.
Much may hinge on whether Barcelona, who couldn't register Rashford until just before their La Liga opener, will possess the resources to trigger the clause before June's end. Deco has already suggested that exercising Rashford's option before the season concludes in May seems improbable.
"If we're performing well without surprises, I believe it's unnecessary," he stated during a recent appearance celebrating Camp Nou's reopening.