Marcus Rashford has enjoyed a stunning season for his dream club, Barcelona, but he very easily could still be playing at Aston Villa.
Since Marcus Rashford fell out with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United in December 2024, he hasn’t played for the club.
Despite his status as a star player, United sent Rashford on loan to Aston Villa in January 2025, where he impressed and earned his dream move to Barcelona.
However, the La Liga club was not his only option last summer, as Barcelona chief Deco has now revealed.
What do you think is Marcus Rashford’s legacy at Man Utd?
Deco explains how Marcus Rashford rejected Aston Villa
After being put in Amorim’s bomb squad at United last summer, Rashford was desperate to join Barcelona and got his move on loan.
But Barcelona sporting director Deco has now claimed that Rashford was also wanted elsewhere.
Marcus Rashford claps Barcelona fans.
Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images
In an interview with Spanish outlet SPORT, Deco admitted Rashford had interest from Villa, but the player only wanted Barcelona.
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“I think it’s very easy to come here. He’s a footballer who has played at a very high level, under huge pressure at United. Then he went for six months and did very well at Aston Villa. If Aston Villa could have kept him, they would have – I know because I speak to people there – but he only wanted to come to Barça, and that’s a good thing.
“He had the desire to come here and we were able to secure him on loan. I think coming here on a reduced salary just to join — that shows he truly wanted to come. And we’re happy with him.
“He’s a player who gives us a lot.”
Now Ruben Amorim has been fired, do you want Marcus Rashford to have another chance at Man Utd?
Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim giving instructions to Marcus Rashford.
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Manchester United need to demand Barcelona pay up for Rashford
Last month, it was reported that Michael Carrick was keen on Rashford’s return this coming summer if he was retained as the permanent head coach for the club.
However, it won’t matter because Rashford is committed to staying at Barcelona in the long term, so United should be set on making sure they pay the fee.
There has been talk of Barcelona trying to negotiate their buy option for Rashford down, but United can’t let this happen, as the Catalan giants have more than enough to afford him.
United will save a fortune on wages, and the fee can go toward a player who wants to play for the club.
United should have a clear message: no discounts. If they like Rashford as much as they insist, they’ll pay it.
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