Marcus Rashford last played in a competitive match for Manchester United on December 7, leaving him sidelined for nearly two months. At 27, Rashford should be featuring regularly, but that hasn’t been the case.
Ruben Amorim has made it clear categorically that he is not satisfied with the English forward’s performance in training sessions. Amorim said that he wanted Rashford “to change” for the better. He has also hinted at disciplinary issues, which might have played their part in sidelining him.
Marcus Rashford Is on the Verge of Joining Aston Villa on Loan
Initially, Rashford had links to Barcelona. However, it would be unlikely that he would get much game time at Barca, as both Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are having a great time there.
For a player who has featured in approximately 430 matches for Manchester United and scored 138 goals – making him the 13th-highest goal-scorer in the club’s history – spending months on the bench during his prime is far from ideal.
With the departure of Anthony Martial before the start of the current season, the time was ripe for Rashford to lead the way for Manchester United.
United have had a number of disastrous signings during the last few years and therefore, they needed one of their long-serving players to step up and make his presence count.
However, Rashford has failed to do that and has fallen out of favour with his new manager after Erik ten Hag’s departure from the club.
Amorim has singled Rashford out in an attempt to resurrect the culture that should prevail in an elite football club.
Rashford’s move to Barcelona might have once again landed him at a club, where there have been player-manager conflicts in the past, with the players reportedly calling the shots.
On the other hand, Rashford’s impending loan move to Aston Villa presents a fresh start under manager Unai Emery.
At this stage of his career, the only priority for Rashford should be to improve his performance on the pitch.
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United or Villa?
If Rashford had been willing to leave his ego aside and mend his ways, he might have still extended his career at Manchester United.
The club is going through a rebuilding phase, and alongside Bruno Fernandes, he was one of their best players. Staying could have given him a chance to be part of a long-term project, but that door now seems to have closed.
Even if he had remained at United for a few more years, continuing until 30 would have been a success.
However, rather than moving abroad – which might not have suited him – he is now set for a fresh start at Aston Villa.
One cannot afford to jump to conclusions yet, as football can change quickly.
It is a pity for United that the career of one of their best academy players is going astray at the moment, but perhaps this move is what Rashford needs to get his career back on track.
It is now up to him and Unai Emery to ensure this transition benefits both the player and his new club.
Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / Pro Sports Images
Recording Date: 30.12.2024