Marcus Rashford finds himself out of favor under Manchester United’s Ruben Amorim
Marcus Rashford could be given a path back to Old Trafford if Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim. The England star is currently on loan at Barcelona but has a contract until 2028.
United made the decision to loan Rashford to Aston Villa in February last year, following the release of manager Amorim. The 28-year-old scored his first goal as manager in November 2024, scoring three goals in six games overall under Amorim, but quickly found himself at a disadvantage.
The player, who was on loan from United, showed signs of regaining his form at Villa, but was still allowed to join Barcelona in the summer. Rashford has been vocal about his desire to remain at the Catalan club, but Amorim’s departure from United could change the forward’s view of his future.
It has been a whirlwind year for Rashford, but he will be immediately challenged after being sacked by United’s new manager in December 2024. “The team will be better with Rashford, but he has to change,” Amorim said. “If he changes, we would be very welcome to bring in a talent like Rashford and we need it.”
He added: “You’re trying to make it personal, but it’s not personal. I have nothing against Marcus. I have to make the same rules for everyone, but for me it’s very simple, it’s always the same.”
read more: Manchester United sack Ruben Amorim LIVE: Full statement, confirms decision on next managerread more: Manchester United had no choice but to sack Ruben Amorim – and should have done it sooner.
Rashford was unable to find his way back into the United team, but he joined Villa until the end of last season, making 17 appearances and contributing 10 goals. Asked about the transfer, Amorim explained why the club allowed Rashford to leave.
“I couldn’t get Marcus to understand how to play football and train him the way I think,” the United manager said. “Sometimes you have a player who is very good under one coach, and then the same player is different under another coach.”
Rashford went on to join Barcelona in the summer after impressing at Villa Park. The Spanish club hold a £26m option to turn his loan spell into a permanent move, and the striker has quickly admitted he envisions a long-term future in Spain.
“Yeah, for sure,” Rashford told ESPN in October when asked if he wanted to stay at his new club. “I enjoy this football club. For those who love football, I think Barcelona is one of the most important clubs in the history of football. This is an honor for the players.”
Speaking to Sport last month, the player reiterated his desire to leave United permanently. “Of course, what I want is to stay at Barça,” Rashford said. “That’s the end goal, but that’s not why I train hard and do my best. The aim is to win. Barça is a huge, great club built to win titles.”
However, Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo recently reported that there is uncertainty over Rashford’s permanent move to Barcelona. Rashford is claimed to have received positive feedback from the club, but triggering his buy-out clause is not a formality.
Barcelona will reportedly try to negotiate a lower price than the agreed £26m due to well-documented financial constraints. The La Liga club are confident Rashford will reject offers from other clubs, but the combination of a potential new fee deal and Amorim’s departure from United creates a slightly different dynamic.
Rashford came through United’s youth ranks and made his first-team debut in February 2016. He made 426 appearances and scored 138 goals for the Red Devils, winning two FA Cups, two League Cups and the 2017 Europa League.
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