Marcus Rashford is now “bringing” to Barcelona exactly what made the defending La Liga champions sign the Manchester United and England star on loan in the summer.
That is according to Barcelona sporting director Deco, who has now dropped his two cents on Marcus Rashford’s struggles at Premier League side Manchester United.
Rashford has settled in at the Camp Nou after his summer move and the 27-year-old England international has been afforded early first-team opportunities at Barcelona.
The former Aston Villa star has made eight appearances across all competitions for Barcelona and Rashford has netted twice and registered four assists for his side.
Hansi Flick has talked up Rashford since his loan transfer and the Barcelona manager has played him on both the wing and as the lone striker at different times.
Deco speaks out on what Barcelona are doing for Marcus Rashford that Man Utd failed to do for him
Marcus Rashford returned to Manchester United in the summer and the Red Devils talent’s return to Old Trafford was short-lived after his Aston Villa loan spell ended.
He was left out of United’s pre-season summer tour under Ruben Amorim and Rashford trained alone at the Premier League club while waiting for his next move.
Barcelona came in for United player Rashford in July and the reigning La Liga title-holders completed a loan move for the former Aston Villa forward.
Deco has suggested that the “complicated management” and ‘demands’ at United might have held back Rashford’s full potential from being unlocked at Old Trafford.
The 48-year-old Barcelona sporting director added that the La Liga outfit are “happy” with Marcus and that is the “most important thing” for the Spanish club.
“What we thought he could bring to us, he’s bringing,” he told Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, as per the Metro.
“He’s a very high-level player; he exploded very early, then he had great seasons at United, then he had more complicated management years with changes of coaches, and perhaps he also struggled because they demanded a lot of things from him there.
“But we’re happy with him; that’s the most important thing.”
Deco reveals why Barcelona wanted to sign Man Utd and England star Marcus Rashford in the summer transfer window
Barcelona had been heavily linked with Nico Williams in the summer before the 23-year-old Spanish winger made the big call to sign a new contract with Athletic Club.
The current Spanish champions turned their attention to United forward Rashford after failing to land Athletic Club and Barcelona winger Nico Williams.
Speaking on Rashford, Deco told Mundo Deportivo: “Overall, the squad is stronger. Rashford gives us the attacking profile we were missing.
“Ferran [Torres] contributing as a [No] ‘9’ also helps. These were ideas we had, and I think the team is a little better than last season.
“Plus, it’s the coach’s second year, he knows the squad better, and the changes in the fitness staff with Julio and Pepe are working well.”
Barcelona agreed to take Rashford on a 12-month loan deal and United included the option to make the England star’s move permanent in 2026 for a £30.3m fee.
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