Barcelona chief reveals key Rashford decision in Man Utd transfer

Barcelona sporting director Deco has admitted that the club were only able to sign Marcus Rashford on loan because the Manchester United forward agreed to drop his wages to force through his move.

Rashford joined Barca last summer on a season-long loan, with the Catalans having an option to buy for around €30 million, and the 28-year-old has enjoyed a fruitful season with nine goals and nine assists in all competitions.

Barca are expected to make Rashford’s move a permanent one after learning that United would not accept a lower fee and Deco told SPORT that the club are satisfied with how the forward has performed since his move.

“Yes, definitely,” Deco said when asked if he was happy with Rashford. “I don’t think it’s easy to come here. “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 Barça, 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.”

Man Utd not looking to bring back Rashford despite fresh start

The departure of Ruben Amorim from United in January created some suggestions that Rashford could return to Old Trafford in the summer but the club are believed to be banking on the money raised through his sale.

Barcelona had been hoping for the Red Devils to lower their asking price but the deal is considered ‘cheap’ by United’s standards and there is believed to be confidence that someone will meet their demands even in Barca opt against it.

That thinking, coupled with Rashford’s agreement to lower his wages, has led to Barca making the decision to sign the England international permanently and it would only take a serious injury to prevent the deal.

United would then look to invest the money into another left winger such as RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande, who is emerging as a top target despite being tracked by Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.

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