Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United hangs precariously after manager Ruben Amorim publicly questioned the forward's professionalism. The Portuguese boss, who took charge of United last November, made his disdain known when he stated he would prefer to have 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital on the squad than to field "a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day." Symptoms of trouble have been clearly visible, as Rashford has been sidelined since mid-December, with his last appearance coming on December 12 against Wolverhampton.
Rashford, once seen as one of the brightest prospects at Old Trafford, is now facing significant scrutiny. The comments made by Amorim resonate harshly; they suggest not just slight disappointment but outright condemnation of the player's current approach to training and matches. United legend Rio Ferdinand weighed in on the matter, sharing on his YouTube channel, "If I was the player the manager said about, my heart, my pride, my ego – it’s embarrassment." He added, "For someone to question your application, to question you giving 100 percent for the team, saying you’re lacking effort and taking shortcuts—that’s a damning comment. There’s no way back for Marcus after this." Ferdinand worries about the potential ramifications of allowing Rashford to return after such pointed allegations, arguing it could set a dangerous precedent for other players within the squad.
The concerns over Rashford's attitude have been echoed by BBC Radio 5 Live's Chris Sutton, who bluntly stated, "He is too big for his boots." He criticized Rashford's lack of effort, indicating it was unacceptable at this level. This narrative paints Rashford not only as struggling on the pitch, but also as someone who has lost the drive required by the club's high standards.
Rashford's relationship with the club is troublingly complex. Having been with Manchester United since he was just seven years old, the now 27-year-old has racked up over 400 appearances and secured numerous titles, including the Europa League and two FA Cups. His start under Amorim had promised revival, with the forward scoring during the manager's debut game and following it up with two goals against Everton shortly thereafter.
Yet, the tide turned when his omission from the squad for the key match against Manchester City raised eyebrows. Rumor has it Rashford's representatives are already engaging with Barcelona on the possibility of a move, especially as the transfer window remains open. A change of scenery might be what is necessary for both the player and Manchester United, according to former United coach Rene Meulensteen. He stated, "If I was Rashford, I would make every means work to see if I could get [a transfer] over the line, no matter how. It would be best for all parties and would be good for Rashford to rediscover himself in a new league."
This backdrop of criticism and uncertainty about Rashford raises significant questions among the fanbase. One supporter expressed on social media, "Rashford has been at the club since he was a kid, but it feels like he’s lost all connection with United. If the manager doesn’t think he’s giving 100 percent, he has to go." Meanwhile, others opined the club has failed to support him adequately, indicating years of over-reliance have contributed to his current decline. One fan suggested, "This club has been a mess for years. They overworked him, relied on him too much, and now they’re turning on him. Rashford at his best is a world-class player."
Looking forward, where does Rashford go from here? A move abroad could be just what Rasford needs to breathe new life back invigorate his career. If he can find the form reminiscent of his 30-goal season from 2022-23, there will undoubtedly be interest from clubs across Europe. Yet his Manchester United career is on thin ice. Unless Rashford can respond emphatically—either through improved performance on the pitch or decisively moving to another club—his time with the Red Devils could very well be coming to a close, leaving both the player and the club standing at the brink of separation.