‘He suffered at United’: Club director divulges one Red’s Old Trafford struggles amid relationship breakdown with Amorim

Barcelona’s Sporting Director Deco has weighed in on Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United struggles prior to his summer move.In truth, it’s no secret that the forward’s Red Devils tenure ended much more sourly than ever anticipated, especially given he’s a homegrown star and boyhood Red.Wythenshawe-born Rashford has been on United’s books since he was just seven years old, and has racked up 426 appearances and 138 goals since making his senior bow in 2016.How Rashford’s United departure turned sour(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)Alas, when his relationship with Ruben Amorim broke down last season and he was completely exiled from the first-team squad from December to January, it prompted speculation over what had gone on behind the scenes.To the media, Amorim maintained the stance that the England international was simply not a good fit for his system based on what he’d seen training – despite Rashford returning three goals in the four Premier League appearances he made under the coach before his winter departure.After his temporary, half-season spell with Aston Villa came to an end over the summer, it was seemingly made clear to him that he had no part to play in Amorim’s plans, hence the attacker sealing a swift deal to spend the campaign with Barcelona.How Rashford is faring over in Spain(Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)Rashford has since enjoyed a revived run of form for the Catalan giants, scoring six goals and registering nine assists in his first 18 appearances. The choice to sign him permanently come June next year will be entirely up to Barcelona, as United included a £26 million buy option, rather than an obligation.When pressed on the 28-year-old’s situation following his United exit, Deco told Times Sport: “Rashford is happy with us. Marcus is a fantastic player.“He suffered a bit with this change of generation at United too. It’s not easy. When you are an important player, you have a lot of responsibility.” Exclusive interview with Barcelona’s Sporting Director, Deco: • Leaving Chelsea• Fearing Porto ’04 won’t happen again• Valuing La Masia amid financial stress • Signing Marcus Rashford@TimesSport https://t.co/QLrVDgxLPy — Peter Rutzler (@peterrutzler) November 30, 2025