Rashford has not been able to settle into the Manchester United playing XI
Marcus Rashford is living a strange moment in his career. At Old Trafford, his role has changed and his future looks clouded. What was once a central figure in United’s project now seems blurred. The club’s decision to open themselves to a winter loan spell says it all. Aston Villa took it as an opportunity, but failed to bring the player back to full fitness. Although he remains a strong name in England, his performances have fallen short of his potential. This has opened the door to rumours that are becoming more and more vocal in Barcelona.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco likes Manchester United talent hinting at a possible transfer
Deco, sporting director of the Blaugrana, has set alarm bells ringing with his declarations. Although he was cautious, he made clear a preference for wingers such as Rashford and Luis Diaz. He avoided going any further than necessary, but his direct mention of the Englishman sounds more like a warning than a casual comment.
🚨 Barça director Deco on wingers: “We like Luis Diaz, we like Rashford… and we like other wingers too”.
“We can't talk about players under contract with other clubs”. pic.twitter.com/ocYyuLTY1v
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 22, 2025
The Blaugrana club are looking to strengthen that position and Rashford, despite his high salary and dips in form, fits the profile they want: pace, and experience in big tournaments. The fact that Deco has publicly mentioned him, at a time when Villa are hesitating to exercise their option to buy, does not seem a coincidence.
What drastic changes are Manchester United planning for their squad this summer?
Could Marcus Rashford be heading to Barcelona, with sporting director Deco reportedly keen on the Manchester United star?
Rashford to Barcelona sounds good on paper, but there are several elements to consider. First, his salary; the Barcelona club are still tied to financial constraints. However, if Villa decide not to sign him and United want to part with him, the price could be adjusted. In addition, the player’s desire to wear the Blue and Whites’ shirt is key.
We are no longer just talking about a possible tactical fit, but an explicit desire. That helps the negotiations to have a more favourable starting point. Deco is not someone who speaks without measuring the consequences, and his reference, however brief, could be interpreted as a calculated move to gauge reactions, both from Rashford and the United environment.
More Manchester United News:
Even so, there is no guarantee that the transfer will go through. Barça have had their eye on other wingers, and Rashford is not the only candidate. There is also the fact that the Englishman needs to find himself again. Going to Barcelona could be a new opportunity, but also a risk. The pressure at the Camp Nou is unforgiving and a bad start could further dent his confidence. From another angle, the arrival of Rashford would send a clear message: the club is betting on big names, even if they come at a low point. It’s a risky strategy, but one that has worked before with other players.
In my opinion, the signing depends more on how many departures Barça manage to make from their current squad and how the numbers work out with financial fair play. If they manage to free up space, Rashford is a more than serious option from United. But if that doesn’t happen, it will be all talk. Although the player’s will exists, and Deco has put the first chip on the table, it is not enough without a structure to support him. Even so, this interest should not be ignored. It is a bridge that has been built, and now it remains to be seen if anyone decides to cross it.