Marcus Rashford has voiced criticism about Manchester United’s “reactionary” tactics following his departure from Old Trafford.
The forward, who has been loaned to Barcelona for the 2025-26 season, highlighted the absence of a consistent strategy within the club, urging the Red Devils to establish and adhere to a plan.
After falling out of favor under coach Reuben Amorim, Rashford spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he made 17 appearances across all competitions.
The England international scored 89 goals and provided 42 assists for United in the Premier League.
Reflecting on his former club, Rashford remarked: “Successful teams over time have principles that future coaches and players must embrace or enhance. We seem focused on winning in the moment, but this leads to signing players who only fit a short-term strategy.”
He stressed, “You can’t win a league if your focus is always shifting. While winning cup competitions might be possible with talented players and a good coach, it shouldn’t be seen as a fluke.”
Rashford shared that the past six months have given him a clearer understanding of the challenges facing the club, stating: “We are far from what we consider being ‘united.’ It feels like we’ve been in transition for years, yet the actual transition hasn’t initiated.”
“A real transition requires a plan that everyone commits to. If not, it’s important for fans to have realistic expectations about the club’s situation.”
Rashford noted the prevalence of varying managerial philosophies and strategies for success within the sport.
Meanwhile, Manchester United kicked off their new Premier League season at home against Arsenal, while Rashford made his La Liga debut with Barcelona against Mallorca the previous day.
Fan Take: This news highlights significant issues at Manchester United, underscoring the struggle of iconic clubs to maintain a clear identity amidst constant changes. For soccer fans, this situation serves as a reminder of the importance of stability and vision in achieving long-term success in the sport.