Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United Future in Jeopardy Amid Struggles to Impress Ruben Amorim
Marcus Rashford’s place at Manchester United hangs by a thread as he faces mounting challenges to improve his on- and off-pitch performance. The club is reportedly open to parting ways with the 27-year-old forward if he fails to meet the high standards set by manager Ruben Amorim and the new INEOS leadership.
Struggles with Standards and Club Expectations
Rashford first faced scrutiny earlier this year when he violated former manager Erik ten Hag’s disciplinary rules on multiple occasions. Amorim, now at the helm, has been equally unimpressed with Rashford’s lackluster training performances and demeanor. These issues culminated in his exclusion from the Manchester derby squad last Sunday.
In comparison, Alejandro Garnacho also faced disciplinary action but hasn’t yet developed a reputation for repeated offenses. Unlike Garnacho, Rashford is expected to lead by example as a senior player, making his lapses even more glaring.
Transfer Market Challenges
Despite being open to offers for Rashford since January, Manchester United has struggled to attract suitors. Concerns about his form, high wages, and off-field behavior have significantly reduced his appeal in the transfer market. This has left Amorim working to find ways to reignite the forward’s form and commitment.
Amorim’s recent strategy of benching Rashford appears to have had some effect. After being dropped for the Manchester City clash, Rashford improved his training standards and even shared a celebratory post on social media in solidarity with his teammates.
A History of Inconsistent Responses
While this recent response is promising, it mirrors past situations where Rashford briefly improved before slipping back into old habits. For instance, Ten Hag punished him in 2022 for lateness, only to see a short-lived uptick in performance. Similarly, Rashford responded positively after disciplinary action earlier this year but failed to sustain the improvements.
Amorim hopes that excluding Rashford from the high-stakes Manchester derby will serve as a lasting wake-up call. With the club’s patience wearing thin, his future at Old Trafford depends on his ability to maintain consistent effort and professionalism.
Jamie Carragher’s Perspective
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher weighed in, suggesting that Rashford’s departure from Manchester United is inevitable. Carragher described him as a “good player” but not one who fits the profile of a world-class superstar. He emphasized that a clean break might benefit both Rashford and the club, though concerns about his wages could hinder potential transfers.