“Really wanted…” – Club chief claims Manchester United star rejected PL transfer
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is said to have turned down the chance to stay at Aston Villa as he only wanted to join Barcelona last summer.
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The Red Devils ace is currently on loan at Barca for the season, and club director Deco has spoken about how happy he is with him.
Rashford has ten goals and nine assists for Barcelona so far, and it seems Deco would be happy to try to keep him at the Nou Camp permanently.
Speaking to Sport, Deco provided some insight into the Rashford situation, whilst also discussing how Villa wanted to keep him after having him on loan in the second half of last season.
Deco on Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona future
“Yes, definitely [we’re pleased with him]. I don’t think it’s easy to come here,” Deco said, as quoted by Football Espana.
“He’s a footballer who has played at a very high level, with enormous demands at a club like Manchester United. Then he spent six months at Aston Villa, where he did a very good job.
“In fact, Aston Villa, if they could have, would have kept him; I know this because I’ve spoken to people there. But he only wanted to come to Barca, and that’s a very positive thing.
“We were able to secure a loan. The fact that he took a pay cut to make it happen is a clear demonstration that he really wanted to come, and we’re very happy about that.
“He’s a player who contributes a lot to the team.”
| Rashford’s recent form | Games | Goals |
| Man Utd 2023/24 | 43 | 8 |
| Man Utd 2024/25 | 24 | 7 |
| Aston Villa 2024/25 | 17 | 4 |
| Barcelona 2025/26 | 34 | 10 |
Marcus Rashford is thriving away from the Premier League
Even if Rashford was decent during his loan spell at Villa Park, it perhaps makes sense that he was keen to try a new challenge abroad.
The England international spent his entire career at Old Trafford until last season, and he truly looks back to his best now that he’s trying a new experience in La Liga.
It will be interesting to see if Barcelona definitely end up making Rashford’s move permanent, but if they don’t then it’s perhaps hard to imagine he’ll be rushing back to English football.
Some United fans would surely be open to seeing Rashford back in the team, but that ship has also surely sailed after his total loss of form before leaving the club.
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