Deco explains Barcelona's Rashford snub as Gabriel eyes United debut after hat-trick

Barcelona sporting director Deco has explained why the Catalan club declined to sign Marcus Rashford permanently after his loan spell, opting instead for Anthony Gordon — as Manchester United prepare for Sunday’s Premier League derby against Manchester City at Old Trafford.

Rashford registered double-figure goals and assists during his time at Barcelona, yet the club moved on without him. Deco pointed to a specific tactical concern as the deciding factor. “One of the things we saw that was difficult last year was the fact that, when we were without Raphinha, the team’s energy seemed to drop,” he told Marca. “We looked at many wingers, but signing players in the Premier League is almost impossible, you see the figures involved. He [Gordon] was the profile that best fit. The great advantage is that the players are excited to come to our project.”

Back at United, attention has also turned to 18-year-old academy forward JJ Gabriel, who underlined his growing reputation with a hat-trick for United’s under-19 side against Sabah in the UEFA Youth League. The performance has intensified speculation over when the teenager might earn his first competitive senior appearance.

Academy coach Adam Lawrence offered a measured assessment of Gabriel’s trajectory. “JJ is surrounded by people that really believe in him — from the top of the club right the way through,” Lawrence said. “Where he’s been at the club for so long, he’s got good relationships with the players, with the staff. Over the course of time that helps as well. At the moment, just in terms of his game, his games programme, his training programme, making sure that he’s getting the right exposure across different levels.”

United head into Sunday’s derby on the back of a 4-0 Champions League win over Sabah, though their Premier League form has been inconsistent — manager Michael Carrick’s side have won just one of their opening three league fixtures. Carrick acknowledged the shortfall after the Sabah result. “Results-wise, it hasn’t been the start we wanted, we wanted more points in the league.”

City boss Enzo Maresca will be taking charge of his first Manchester Derby, having suffered a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford with Chelsea in September 2025. City arrive having secured a hard-fought European win over Porto. Whether Rashford or Gabriel features for United on Sunday remains to be seen, with Carrick yet to confirm his attacking selections.