Barcelona sporting director Deco is convinced that Marcus Rashford pulled off one all-important duty during the Manchester United star’s loan spell at the Camp Nou.
Marcus Rashford lifted the La Liga trophy in his debut season with Barcelona after the Spanish side defended their crown against title challengers Real Madrid.
The 28-year-old on-loan Manchester United star was a key squad player for Barcelona manager Hansi Flick after he left Old Trafford last summer.
Rashford found the back of the net 14 times and registered 14 assists in 49 matches across all competitions for La Liga champions Barcelona in the 2025-26 campaign.
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Deco on Marcus Rashford’s vital role at Barcelona alongside Raphinha under Hansi Flick
Hansi Flick mainly relied on Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford to rotate on the left wing with Raphinha during Barcelona’s La Liga title defence.
The Barcelona manager also used Rashford as a centre-forward option when it was necessary, including when Robert Lewandowski was out of action for the La Liga club.
Rashford spent his entire 2025-26 season on loan at Barcelona and continued to secure regular first-team football ahead of this summer’s World Cup with England.
Deco has now claimed that England star Rashford delivered on his “responsibility” to step up in a big way for Barcelona when Raphinha was not playing.
Speaking to BBC Sport, he said: “Marcus has helped us a lot because he came on loan, it is not easy to come on loan as a player like him because he is a top player.
“He helped us a lot because he had the responsibility to replace Raphinha; it is not easy, but he did very well.”
Deco added: “Sometimes he [is] on the bench and it’s not easy, but he reacted very well and he did everything.”
Marcus Rashford evidently does not want to return to Man Utd – There is no way back for him surely?!
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Deco’s clear-cut verdict on Marcus Rashford’s Camp Nou spell after Barcelona signed him from Man Utd in 2025
Rashford’s loan deal with Barcelona is set to expire in the summer, but the La Liga club have the option to sign the on-loan United star in a permanent transfer.
Deco remained cryptic about whether Barcelona will ensure Rashford is at the Camp Nou for the 2026-27 campaign, but he did praise the Three Lions star’s season.
“His season was very good and we are happy he won La Liga with us,” he explained.
“He deserves [it], he works a lot and works hard to be here. We are happy with him.”
United included a permanent transfer price of £30.3m in their loan agreement with Barcelona over former Aston Villa forward Rashford last summer.
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