Manchester United’s decision to remove Marcus Rashford from the first-team squad and push for a sale was reportedly driven by the club, not just former head coach Ruben Amorim.
This detail is important because for a long time this story has been framed as a manager vs. player issue.
According to Manchester Evening News journalist Tyrone Marshall, United appear to have already made a wider strategic decision about Rashford’s future.
The move to remove Rashford from the side and sell him was not led by Amorim alone, but by the club hierarchy.
It changes the way you look at the situation. Amorim may have been the public face of the decision when Rashford was ruled out, but the bigger call appears to have come from above.
Marcus Rashford spent last season on loan at Barça
Rashford’s future at United has been uncertain for a long time. In the 2025/26 season, he was loaned to Barcelona and showed signs of revival.
The Guardian reported that he helped Barça win La Liga, finishing the league with eight goals and nine assists, including the crucial goal in the title-clinching win against Real Madrid.
However, Barcelona are still unsure whether to make the move permanent due to financial concerns and the arrival of Anthony Gordon.
That leaves United in an awkward position. Rashford wants to stay in Catalonia, but Barcelona are reluctant to pursue the option of a permanent transfer.
Red Devils still trying to release him
United, on the other hand, want a transfer fee and at the same time want to exclude his huge salary from their payroll.
The newspaper reported that Barça were reluctant to meet his full buyout clause and Rashford could have to return to United during pre-season if a deal is not agreed.
This situation says more about Man United’s team plans than it does about Amorim.
Yes, Rashford’s form and attitude were questionable and yes, Amorim clearly wasn’t built around him.
However, if the club itself decides that he is no longer part of the future, it will always be a bigger problem than one manager.
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