Marcus Rashford saw a permanent move to Barcelona fall through after the Spanish giants chose to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United instead
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has been reintegrated into Man United's squad(Image: Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Barcelona sporting director Deco believes Anthony Gordon suits the club's style better than Marcus Rashford - offering a clear explanation for why they chose to sign the former Newcastle United winger instead this summer. Rashford, 28, spent last season on loan in Catalonia after a fallout with United's previous head coach Ruben Amorim.
Barca held a £26million option to buy after Rashford rediscovered his form, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists, earning a recall to Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the World Cup. Despite Rashford's interest in staying and making the move permanent, the club ultimately decided against activating the clause and instead invested £69m in Gordon.
And Deco has now outlined the reasoning behind their joint decision. Speaking to RAC 1, he revealed: "We are extremely grateful to Rashford.
"He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony. His style fits with what the coach is looking for. We see every training session and analyse the team. We have a clear idea of what we're looking for.
"One of the areas we struggled last season, without Raphinha, was that the team's energy dropped. It was lost. We needed more intensity.
"We analysed a lot of wingers. Signing someone from the Premier League is almost impossible, but [Flick] was clear with what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there."
Rashford eventually headed back to Manchester, where he was fully reintegrated into Michael Carrick's squad despite summer interest from elsewhere. The England international has featured in all three of United's opening games this season, starting against Ipswich Town and Everton.
Marcus Rashford.
Marcus Rashford in action for Manchester United(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
He is expected to start against Sabah FK in the Champions League tonight, then in Sunday's derby against Manchester City. And Carrick is pleased to have Rashford in his squad for what promises to be a demanding season, with United competing on all fronts.
"He's added to the group for us, for sure, because it's pretty obvious," the United head coach said. "I think he's making the most of that for us and for him as well, to have the opportunity to be here. He's one of our own.
"He's living his dream, playing here now, and trying to be successful and win. At this club, there is always players that have come back sometimes, or players that maybe were going to leave, didn't leave.
"It's always about what you do next, and what your intentions are. He's been fantastic since he came back, I have to say."