Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, has pinpointed the immense pressure and responsibility placed on Marcus Rashford at a young age as a fundamental reason for the forward's difficult periods at Manchester United.
The Burden of Being a United Star
The comments come with the England international currently on a season-long loan with the Spanish giants. Deco, who secured the loan deal in the summer, reflected on Rashford's challenging journey at Old Trafford in a candid interview.
He stated that Rashford, who made a spectacular debut under Louis van Gaal in 2016, was thrust into the spotlight too early. "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," Deco told The Times.
A Decade of Turmoil at Old Trafford
Rashford's rapid ascent a decade ago saw him become a beacon of hope for the club. However, this status came with a heavy price. He has already played under five permanent managers during his time in Manchester, a period marked by significant instability.
Deco also highlighted the wider context of the club's struggles, suggesting the constant upheaval made it difficult for any player to consistently perform. "He suffered a bit with this change of generation at United too," Deco explained. "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."
This environment meant Rashford was often singled out for criticism when the team underperformed, a frequent occurrence in recent years.
A New Beginning in Barcelona
Despite the challenges, Deco was full of praise for the player's talent and his determination to join Barcelona. "He’s happy with us. Marcus is a fantastic player," Deco affirmed.
The move materialised due to Rashford's patience and desire to play for the Catalan club. "We were able to sign Marcus on loan now because of his desire to play for Barcelona," Deco revealed. "He waited a lot. He knew that we were dealing with financial rules. But he was patient."
The loan spell has already shown positive signs. Rashford has scored six times for Barcelona, including an impressive brace against Newcastle in a Champions League match earlier this season. This resurgence in form away from the intense scrutiny of Manchester suggests a player rediscovering his confidence and joy for the game.
It remains to be seen if the loan will become a permanent transfer, as the agreement includes an option to buy. For now, Marcus Rashford is enjoying a fresh start, freed from the overwhelming burdens he shouldered during his youth.
