Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has offered rare insight into Marcus Rashford’s struggles at Manchester United, shedding new light on why the England forward endured a difficult spell before revitalizing his career in Spain. Since joining Barcelona on loan at the start of the 2025–26 season, Rashford has rediscovered his sharpness and confidence — a turnaround Deco believes is directly tied to escaping the intense weight of expectation at Old Trafford.
A fresh start away from overwhelming pressure
Rashford’s switch to Barcelona has yielded six goals in 18 appearances, signaling a promising resurgence for the 27-year-old. According to Deco, the forward’s improved form is no coincidence. Speaking to The Times, the Barca executive explained that Rashford had long carried the burden of being the face of Manchester United during a turbulent period for the club.
Deco said: “He’s happy with us. Marcus is a fantastic player. He faced the responsibility of becoming an important player at Man United… too young. He suffered a bit with this change of generation at United too. If you see United in the last five years, they had difficulties rebuilding the team… So it’s not easy for a player [from whom] people demand a lot.”
The Portuguese sporting director emphasized that Rashford’s early elevation into a leadership role — coupled with United’s prolonged rebuild — placed enormous pressure on the academy graduate. At Barcelona, however, Rashford has been able to focus on his football without carrying the weight of a club in transition.
Barcelona’s pursuit fueled by desire and opportunity
Deco’s connection to Barcelona goes beyond the boardroom. A former midfielder for the club, he returned as sporting director in 2023, taking charge of multiple high-profile signings, including Raphinha and now Rashford. He revealed that the English star’s ambition played a crucial role in making the loan deal possible.
Deco stated: “We were looking for a player like him on the market… A player that could play in the three positions up front. We were able to sign Marcus on loan now because of his desire to play for Barcelona. He waited a lot. He knew that we were dealing with financial rules. But he was patient. He waited and we’re happy to have him.”
Rashford’s versatility across Hansi Flick’s front line and his eagerness to embrace a new challenge made him an ideal target for the Spanish giants. His loan agreement runs through the end of the 2025–26 season, with Barcelona holding an option to buy for £26.2 million (€30m).
A long-term future in Spain?
While Rashford’s resurgence has impressed club officials and fans alike, Barcelona’s well-documented financial issues could influence whether the club triggers the buy option. Still, his adaptation to life in La Liga and his relief at being free from the pressures of Manchester United suggest a stay in Spain may be the best fit for both sides.