Barcelona’s Deco Highlights Rashford’s Burden at Manchester United

Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has expressed concerns regarding Marcus Rashford’s challenges at Manchester United, suggesting he was burdened with excessive responsibility “too young.” The 28-year-old forward, currently on loan at the Catalan club, first captured attention as a teenage sensation but has struggled to maintain consistent performance at Old Trafford, leaving his future uncertain.

Rashford rose to prominence under Louis van Gaal in 2016, making an immediate impact by scoring twice on his European debut. His reputation soared quickly, yet he has faced challenges under five permanent managers at United, often carrying the weight of expectation as one of the team’s key figures. As a result, he has frequently been among those criticized when the team underperformed.

Deco, speaking to The Times, noted that Rashford’s situation was exacerbated by instability within the Manchester club. He stated, “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.”

This burden has led to questions about Rashford’s commitment. Ruben Amorim, a prominent figure in the football community, has also hinted at concerns regarding Rashford’s dedication to the game. Now on his second loan away from Manchester, Deco believes Rashford has been compelled to shoulder too much responsibility at a young age.

Deco elaborated on Rashford’s move to Barcelona, emphasizing the player’s eagerness to join the club: “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.” This patience has paid off, as Rashford has contributed significantly during his time in Catalunya, scoring six goals in his loan spell, including a notable double against Newcastle earlier this season.

The question remains whether Rashford’s temporary move to Barcelona will become permanent. There is an option in his loan agreement, pending further evaluations of his performance and fit within the team. Despite the wealth of talent available at Barcelona, Rashford has proved to be a valuable addition, displaying signs of regaining his form and confidence.

Throughout his career, Rashford has experienced significant highs, such as a season in which he reached the impressive milestone of 30 goals. However, he has also faced harsh criticism during periods of underperformance. As he navigates this critical phase of his career, the support from Barcelona may prove to be a pivotal factor in his future trajectory in professional football.