Barcelona president Joan Laporta reveals new Barcelona signing Marcus Rashford wanted to be a 'one-club man' for Man Utd before being frozen out

Rashford joined United’s academy at the age of seven and became a fan favourite after his sensational debut in the 2015-16 season under Louis van Gaal. He scored twice in his very first senior appearance, which came during a Europa League clash against FC Midtjylland. However, his story at United took a difficult turn last season as new manager Amorim sidelined him from the regular first-team setup following ideological differences.

By January, he was loaned out to Aston Villa in a surprising mid-season switch that allowed him to reignite his form. At Villa Park, he enjoyed a resurgence, showing flashes of the brilliance that once made him untouchable in United’s lineup. Villa’s loan agreement included a purchase clause, but Barcelona’s interest came in swiftly and decisively once it was evident that Rashford would not be part of United’s long-term plans.

Laporta emphasised Rashford never intended to leave United but was left with no other choice.

“We are very happy because a player of great quality is coming, at a great age to come to Barça with extraordinary motivation. Personally, I’ve seen how excited he is to come to Barca," he told reporters.

"One of his virtues is that he is sincere. His dream was to play for Manchester United for the rest of his life. He arrived at the age of seven and was born there with an interesting life. He wanted to be a ‘One club man’. It’s nice for a player to say this with all the sincerity."

However, with Amorim's tactics sidelining Rashford and his career at a crossroads, the player found solace in the idea of joining a team he had admired from afar.

Laporta added: "But when a situation arises in his life that he did not expect, the team he had always liked is Barça. He had faced us and had Barça on the radar. He was loaned to Aston Villa so that it could be seen that he is the best player ever, the best in England and he says that his maximum motivation is to win the Champions League with Barça and the World Cup with England.

"We have him very motivated. He came in strong as a rock, he’s very excited, he’s entered well with his teammates and I’m very happy because two years ago he beat us in the Europa League. He made the difference in the tie and that’s why I’m very happy that he came.”

Rashford was officially unveiled as a Barcelona player on Wednesday, greeted with much fanfare and optimism. The move, though unexpected, marks a new beginning for a player who once symbolised hope at Old Trafford. Now, in the iconic red and blue of Barcelona, Rashford is set to chase silverware and personal redemption on a new stage. He will don the No. 14 shirt previously worn by legendary figures such as Thierry Henry and Javier Mascherano.