Manchester United news as Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Barcelona is discussed by club chiefs with a verdict given on his time at Old Trafford

Barcelona director of football Deco has suggested that Marcus Rashford’s struggles at Manchester United over the past few years were due to the high demand placed on him.

Rashford joined Barca in the summer on a season-long loan, and he has hit the ground running. The 27-year-old scored his first two goals in the Champions League win over Newcastle and has created a goal in each of his previous four La Liga games.

After losing his place in Ruben Amorim’s squad mid-way through last season, Rashford spent the second half of last season with Aston Villa. It has widely been reported that Barcelona have an option to make the move permanent for £26.2 million, something Deco has played down.

Reports last week suggested that both United and Barcelona won’t discuss a permanent switch until the end of the season. It’s also said that the Spanish giants are pleased with his performances and attitude since his move to the club.

Rashford left United after over 420 games and 138 goals. Having burst onto the scene in 2016 and becoming a star at Old Trafford quickly, the England international recorded his best season to date under Erik ten Hag in 2022/23.

He scored 30 goals and assisted a further 12 to help United qualify for the Champions League, before he managed just eight goals the following year. Much has been made on the academy graduate’s decline in England, but Deco has shared his view on it.

In a recent interview with Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, the former Barcelona midfielder was asked about a potential penalty fee should he not be signed permanently. “He’s on a simple loan, there’s no penalty, and if we want him, we have an option to buy,” he said.

“It’s too early to talk about decisions for next season, but what matters is that we’re happy with him. What we thought he could bring to us, he’s bringing.

“He’s a very high-level player; he exploded very early, then he had great seasons at United, then he had years of more complicated management with changes of coaches, and perhaps he struggled too because they demanded a lot of things from him there.

“But we’re happy with him; that’s the most important thing. These aren’t decisions for now; now it’s time to focus on the games to come. A decision will be made, but that’s not being discussed right now.”