FC Barcelona sporting director Deco has has shared his theory for loanee Marcus Rashford’s struggles at Manchester United – and why the Catalan giants are getting the best out of the England forward.
Rashford has revived his career since sealing a loan switch to Barcelona in the summer, impressing with six goals and nine assists in 18 appearances for the LaLiga club.
The United academy graduate had previously fallen out of favour at Old Trafford and was publicly criticised by manager Ruben Amorim, with Deco suggesting the pressure of playing for his boyhood club had a negative effect on the 28-year-old.
Speaking to The Times, the ex-Barca and Chelsea midfield said: “He’s happy with us. Marcus is a fantastic player.
“He faced the responsibility of becoming an important player at Man United — United, like us, are one of the biggest clubs in the world — 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, to become stronger again. He was there. So it’s not easy for a player [from whom] people demand 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, which saw him earn his place back in Thomas Tuchel’s England side.
The Villans were linked with a permanent move for the forward but Deco says Rashford’s eagerness to head to the Camp Nou, and his versatility, was what convinced them to make the move.
He added: “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.”
‘Intelligent’ Rashford can win titles with Barcelona
Barcelona have enjoyed a revival of their own in recent seasons, recovering some serious financial issues in previous years to create a squad bursting with young talents, such as Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi and Pedri.
Deco says the fact that the club could attract a top talent like Rashford shows how the Blaugrana are on the right track once again.
“When you are an intelligent player like Marcus, [you sign] not because you like the club, [but because] you want to win titles.”
