Deco explains why Rashford ‘struggled’ at Man Utd as Barça benefit from revival
Marcus Rashford’s arrival at Barcelona has quickly become one of the more intriguing stories of the club’s transition era and, according to Deco, a sign of how far their rebuilding plan has come.
The sporting director returned to Camp Nou last year after a long spell working as an agent, and his influence on recruitment has grown steadily since. While his role has already been felt in deals such as Raphinha’s, the move for Rashford represents a different kind of breakthrough: a high-profile Premier League talent actively pushing to join Barça.
Rashford’s shift and Deco’s view
Rashford’s season had already pointed toward the need for a reset, and Barcelona saw a player who could plug into multiple roles under Hansi Flick. Reporting from The Times indicates that once contact began, Rashford made it clear he wanted the switch. The loan agreement, which runs through the 2025–26 campaign, includes an option to buy set at £26.2 million.
Deco, speaking to The Times, said the forward has responded well to the change of surroundings. He noted that Rashford spent years absorbing the weight of expectation at Manchester United during a period when the club struggled to establish stability.
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“He’s happy with us,” Deco said. “Marcus is a fantastic player. He faced the responsibility of becoming an important player at Man United… too young.”
Deco added that the repeated attempts to rebuild the squad at Old Trafford placed an unusual burden on Rashford early in his career.
Why Barça pursued him
Barcelona had been searching for a forward versatile enough to rotate across the front line something the squad has often lacked during injury spells. Rashford fit that requirement, Deco said, and the player’s own insistence helped move the deal forward even as financial regulations forced delays.
His influence has been noticeable, despite a brief injury pause. Coaches have been encouraged by his willingness to adapt, and his return to form has reopened the door to England selection ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
A squad in transition
Rashford’s arrival also intersects with a broader shift at Barcelona. The club has doubled down on developing talents such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí and Alejandro Balde, a strategy Deco credits to the steadying hand of president Joan Laporta. With that young core in place, Barça believe they can attract seasoned players who still want to challenge for major trophies.
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“When you are an intelligent player like Marcus, [you sign] not because you like the club, [but because] you want to win titles,” Deco said.
Barcelona remain narrowly ahead of Real Madrid in the league and host Atlético Madrid next at the reopened Camp Nou on December 2.
Sources:The Times, GOAL.
