Marcus Rashford’s unceremonious Manchester United departure was a sad ending. The English forward enjoyed many memorable moments at Old Trafford after rising through the youth ranks.
There was that famous night in Paris against Paris Saint-Germain. He always relished a Manchester Derby and was part of the side that won the FA Cup in 2024.
Rashford’s United career nosedived, and many assumed he was unhappy. Ruben Amorim’s strict management approach led to the 28-year-old’s exile from the first team.
The England international has been on loan at Barcelona this season. He joined the Catalans last summer with the option to buy for £26m.
A damning assessment
Rashford’s change in behaviour and mentality didn’t go unnoticed behind the scenes. Former United masseur Ron Thornley, gave an insight into where it all went wrong for the player.
Thornley told The Busby Way Podcast:
“I’ll say it I don’t mind, I know Marcus and if he’s not happy with what I say, I don’t care. He became unhappy. He became a different person. I watched this player that used to be a happy, lovely kid just moping around, especially in the club.”
Rashford’s mood was visibly low during the latter seasons of his decade in the senior team. His lack of confidence became an issue as alluded to by Thornley:
“Outside the club I used to see him every now and then and he was fine outside the club, but in the club he had this demeanour about him that just wasn’t great. Then it transferred onto the pitch and then you see him walking around and you just wanted energy levels out of him, which is what is Michael Carrick is doing now.”
Thornley accused Rashford of ‘tossing away’ his United career:
“He’s getting energy levels out of the players and you wanted that out of Marcus, but you just weren’t getting it and it was tossed off basically. For me he’s half tossed off his Manchester United career rather that it has been taken away from him.”
There is no sign that Rashford intends to return to Manchester United. Barcelona are expected to trigger its buy option. Losing the English attacker for such a low fee is a disappointing outcome.
Rashford is thriving at Camp Nou, posting 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 games across competitions. It’s frustrating to see him rediscover the form that made him such a hit at his peak with the Red Devils.
Carrick ‘wants’ Rashford back
Michael Carrick’s appointment as Manchester United caretaker manager has immediately resulted in a turnaround. The gloomy atmosphere that took hold during Amorim’s reign has dissipated.
The mood is high heading into the final stretch of the season. The Reds are challenging for a top-four finish. Should Champions League qualification be achieved, it will be hard for INEOS to ignore calls for Carrick to be handed the job permanently.
According to The Telegraph, Carrick wants Rashford back at Old Trafford if he is still in charge next season. He played with the Barca loanee at the very start of his career.
Rashford is said to be “happy” at Camp Nou, and Hansi Flick wants him to be signed permanently. It seems unlikely that Carrick’s desire would tempt the player to return to Manchester.
There will be two years left on his contract in June, and INEOS were keen to get him off the club’s wage bill. His legacy is under debate ahead of his expected permanent departure this summer.
Rashford made 426 appearances at United, posting 89 goals and 53 assists. He won the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and Europa League.
