Deco explains reason for Marcus Rashford’s struggles at Man United – Man United News And Transfer News

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From Manchester United to Barcelona, Marcus Rashford’s life has undergone a sea change over the last 12 months. Once considered the jewel of Carrington, the Englishman became a peripheral figure at Old Trafford within a month of Ruben Amorim’s arrival in November last year.

Rashford was sent out on loan to Aston Villa in January, and the Red Devils were keen to offload him this summer as well. The Catalans came calling and signed him on a season-long loan with a reported £30 million purchase option.

Rashford’s recent struggles at Old Trafford

Rashford rose steadily through the ranks at United before earning his big break under former manager Louis van Gaal. The Englishman went from strength to strength under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but his best season came under Amorim’s predecessor, Erik ten Hag.

Rashford scored 30 goals and set up 12 more in 56 games in all competitions during the 2022/23 season, prompting the Red Devils to hand him an improved contract. However, things went downhill very quickly.

The 28 year old managed just eight goals and six assists in 43 games the following campaign and also struggled last season at Old Trafford. However, Rashford has rediscovered his form since joining Barcelona this summer, registering six goals and nine assists in 18 appearances.

Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Transfermarkt.

If the Englishman continues his good form, a permanent stay at Camp Nou could materialise at the end of the season.

The burden of expectations

Speaking to The Times, Barcelona sporting director Deco suggested that the pressure of expectations had hurt Rashford at United.

“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,” said Deco.

“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 added that the Englishman had put in a great deal of effort to complete a move to Camp Nou.

“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,” said Deco.

“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.

“When you are an intelligent player like Marcus, [you sign] not because you like the club, [but because] you want to win titles.”

A recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that there are no indications the LaLiga champions will exercise the purchase option. That could be a significant blow to United’s plans.

Final Thoughts

Rashford is no longer part of Ruben Amorim’s plans, with United having already invested in a new-look attack over the summer, so an exit is perhaps in the best interests of all parties involved.

Even if Barcelona opt against making the Englishman’s stay permanent, he will not be short of options provided he maintains his recent resurgence.

One club unlikely to be in the race is PSG, with recent reports suggesting that the Parisians are not targeting Rashford at the moment.

Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images

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