Bryan Robson has launched an astonishing attack on Marcus Rashford and his attitude during the latter stages of his Manchester United spell. The English forward is expected to leave the club permanently in the summer.
Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona, where he has bounced back from a difficult period. A falling out with Ruben Amorim led to his banishment from the Reds’ first team in the winter of 2024.
The 28-year-old spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign on loan at Aston Villa. He seemed to regain confidence at Villa Park, helping fire the Villans to the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Rashford’s behaviour was believed to have become a major issue at the back end of his spell with his boyhood club. In January 2024, he reportedly called in sick for training after a night out drinking in Belfast.
Amorim’s decision to drop him from his squad later that year ultimately led to his loan move to Villa. He wasn’t given a chance to return in the summer and instead headed off to Barca.
Robson rips into Rashford
Robson, who captained United for 12 years, has given a damning verdict on Rashford and doesn’t think he’d be welcomed back to the Theatre of Dreams. The club’s iconic midfielder told Boyle Sports:
“Marcus Rashford, as a player, I can’t understand it. When you’re at Manchester United and everybody’s saying he’s lost confidence and belief in his own form at the club, and he goes and says he’s starting to enjoy his football again at Aston Villa.”
Rashford made 17 appearances for Villa, posting four goals and six assists. He became a key man under Unai Emery and put his United troubles behind him.
Robson added:
“If you can’t enjoy your football at Manchester United, there’s something wrong with you. I’m just not quite sure whether I’d bring Marcus back in just because the lads could go, ‘Well, what about his attitude?'”
There were rumours about the Englishman’s attitude behind the scenes, including his commitment to the club. He responded to criticism of his character, denying the claims.
He wrote for The Player’s Tribune in February 2024:
“If you ever question my commitment to Man United, that’s when I have to speak up. It’s like somebody questioning my entire identity, and everything I stand for as a man.”
Rashford was expected to become an all-time great at United after debuting at the age of 18 in February 2015. He made 426 appearances for the Red Devils, registering 138 goals and 79 assists.
Robson suggests Rashford isn’t needed
Rashford looks set to make his Barca move permanent in the summer amid talks over the Catalans triggering a £26m buy option. He will have two years left on his contract with United, but doesn’t intend to return.
Robson suggested that the Reds don’t need the English forward due to the options already in their squad:
“At the moment, the club have got Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount, who is a top player when he’s fit. Unfortunately for him, he keeps getting injuries.”
United signed Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha in the summer, and both have been huge successes in their debut seasons. Amad is regarded as one of the top-flight’s most exciting wingers.
Mason Mount’s future is uncertain despite Robson praising the versatile English midfielder. The former Chelsea star is linked with a move to Aston Villa.
Robson added:
“They’ve even got Patrick Dorgu, who has done fantastic and I feel sorry for the lad because he got injured when he was doing great and his confidence was very high. It was unfortunate United lost him.“
Patrick Dorgu joined United from Leece in January 2025 and began as a left-wing-back under Amorim. The Dane moved into a left-wing role under Michael Carrick and was superb in wins over Manchester City and Arsenal before suffering a serious hamstring injury.
The club’s transfer chiefs might already be on the lookout for a Rashford replacement. Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Mateus Mane is reportedly of interest, and there is talk of Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon being added to the wishlist.
