Marcus Rashford’s career has been marked by moments of brilliance, but his recent decline has been striking, particularly in the context of his rapid rise just a couple of years ago. In the aftermath of England’s exit from the 2022 World Cup, there was an undeniable sense of optimism surrounding Rashford. He had impressed in Qatar, scoring crucial goals against Iran and Wales, and upon returning to Manchester United, he enjoyed a remarkable run of form, netting 30 goals in all competitions. He seemed to be entering his peak years, displaying newfound pace and directness that made him one of the most dangerous attackers in the Premier League.
However, Rashford’s trajectory has taken a sharp downturn since then. Over the past two seasons, his goal tally has significantly dropped, with just 11 Premier League goals to his name. This decline is not just reflected in his performances but also in his relationship with Manchester United. His omission from the squad for the Manchester derby earlier this month, alongside Alejandro Garnacho, was a significant moment, signaling that his future at the club is uncertain.
Ruben Amorim, United’s manager, has given little clarity on Rashford’s current standing within the team, but his comments about evaluating players based on their behavior, including their engagement with teammates and attention to detail, have sparked speculation. Amorim’s mention of the way players eat and dress was interpreted by some as a subtle critique of Rashford’s attitude and focus. Although this could be seen as part of the broader football culture of scrutinizing players’ off-field behavior, it highlights the growing sense that Rashford may not be fully engaged with his role at United.
Rashford’s struggles are not just about form; they also reflect a deeper sense of disillusionment with the club. Over the years, he has been shifted between various positions on the left wing, through the center, and even on the right and has often found himself out of the starting lineup altogether. While part of this is due to his own inconsistent performances, the broader instability at United in recent seasons has contributed to an environment that is hardly conducive to a player’s development. For Rashford, a local lad with a deep emotional and financial connection to the club, this sense of dissatisfaction is perhaps even more pronounced.
Rashford’s comments about being “ready for a new challenge” reflect a growing inevitability: he may need to leave Manchester United in search of a fresh start. His potential departure is complicated by several factors, including his high salary and the difficulty of finding a club willing to take on a player whose form has faltered. While Rashford remains a talented player, the loss of confidence and sharpness that has marked his recent performances will make it challenging for him to rediscover his best form quickly.
It is clear that Rashford’s best position is cutting in from the left wing, a role that plays to his strengths of pace and directness. However, under Amorim’s 3-4-3 system, this position requires a player with greater technical ability to link up with the midfield, a skill that Rashford has not consistently demonstrated. Amorim has experimented with Rashford in different roles, including as a center-forward and on the right, but none have seemed to unlock his full potential. His disappointing performance in the Europa League against Viktoria Plzen, where he was withdrawn after just 55 minutes, further emphasized his struggles to adapt to the tactical demands of his manager.
The prospect of Rashford moving on from United seems increasingly likely, but the path forward is not clear-cut. His potential suitors will have to weigh the risk of taking on a player whose form has been inconsistent, and they may be hesitant to pay his current wages. Additionally, Rashford’s recent struggles highlight a broader issue in modern football: once a player loses their form, regaining it is not always a straightforward task. The cautionary tale of Raheem Sterling, who has struggled to find his best self since leaving Manchester City for Chelsea, underscores the challenges that await Rashford if he does seek a new club.
Ultimately, a fresh start might be the best option for Rashford, but it will not be an easy journey. The decline of his form at Manchester United, combined with the challenges of finding a new home and rediscovering his confidence, makes it clear that reviving his career will require significant effort. Whether he can recapture the form that once made him one of the most exciting young talents in world football remains to be seen.
