Marcus Rashford, From Prodigal Son to Outcast
Once upon a time, under the lights of Old Trafford, Marcus Rashford was dubbed the next great Manchester United player. Born in South Manchester, raised by the club he loved, Rashford was expected to do great things for the Red Devils.
By 22 he had already been knighted for his philanthropic work. He was given an honorary MBE by the University of Manchester at 23. And, his success as a footballer for both England and Manchester United led to murals of his likeness plastered all over Manchester before he was old enough to even rent a car.
In a United shirt Marcus tallied 138 goals and 63 assists. Leading many to believe that as long as his love for the Red Devils stayed true, he would go on to break Wayne Rooney’s all time goal scoring record.
Rashy had more promise, potential, and class than any Manchester United academy graduate since the class of 92′. His poise on the pitch and ability to both score and set up goals was unparalleled. What’s more, his mentality and loyalty to Old Trafford meant many of us believed we would one day see him dawn the captain’s armband.
So, where did it all go wrong? How did Sir Marcus go from being the future of the club, to dressing room outcast? Now that his loan at Barcelona is ending, where will he go next? And, at the age of 28 is a return to Old Trafford still in the cards?
Bad Egg or Collateral Damage?
There is always truth to both sides of every story. Marcus Rashford is certainly not innocent in the sequence of events that led to his exile. That being said, there is perhaps a greater argument to be had. The argument that Rashy became cannon fodder for both Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim.
Meanwhile, the club were just as culpable in his exile and downfall as the managers. While Amorim and EtH used him as a scapegoat to establish their dominance and control over the squad, the club did little to defend Marcus. Or support him and his long term development.
Not because the club necessarily agreed with their former managers but, because of INEOS and the new front office established a salary cap. Meaning they didn’t want to continue paying Marcus’s astronomical wages. Principally, if Amorim in particular was not going to play him.
Contract Mismanagement
The first argument that begs consideration is that Rashford’s contract was grossly mismanaged by the front office. They gave a 25 year old a five year contract worth $325-$400k per week. Which simply is not a sustainable model. Especially given United’s financial issues. And, especially given that Rashford had yet to find his peak at Old Trafford.
Additionally, it set a clear precedent for Manchester United’s contract negotiations for other young players who also had high, yet unfulfilled potential. Players like Sancho, Garnacho, Antony, Hojlund, Malacia and even Donny van de Beek.
It that Marcus’s fault? No. At the time of his contract negotiations, many of Europe’s top teams were attempting to recruit the young Englishman. This forced United to show their desperation to hold onto him. First, by offering him ridiculous money. Second, by promising him a prominent leadership role that they never actually intended to give him. This arguably led to his complacency on the pitch.
When Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim arrived respectively, they asked Rashy to adapt. However, without a manager with good interpersonal skills, where is the motivation to adapt when you are already one of the clubs top earners. Essentially giving Rashford the sense that while he may not be bigger than the club, he was certainly more important than the likes of ten Hag and Amorim.
Was Marcus Rashford Targeted?
Rumors coming out of Carrington are that Rashy had become a member by association of the infamous bomb squad. Those rumors go so far as to say that he saw how terribly players like Garnacho, Sancho, Antony and Malacia were being treated and joined forces with them in empathetic protest.
While admirable he may be, I fall more into the category of opinion that Marcus, as well as the rest of the bomb squad were targeted. They were identified by ten Hag and Amorim as the players they could best make an example out of in an attempt to establish their control over the squad.
Mainly because their lack of experience and hard nosed approach meant they couldn’t immediately command the respect of the players. Thus, they needed to assert their dominance in any way they could, as quickly as they could.
Yes, most of these players are infamous for their lack of training intensity, a gen z mentality, and instincts to push back against the establishment. Rashford included. But, they were all also clearly targeted. Which, again, only magnifies and perpetuates such behavior.
I would even go so far as to say that ten Hag and Amorim are too tactically inflexible and terrible man managers. Two traits that I believe are necessary for success in the modern game with the modern player. More specifically they are two managerial traits that clearly help Marcus thrive.
Fan Complacency
Worst of all, we as fans swallowed the club’s reasoning for exiling so much pure talent. I am as guilty as the next person for doing so. But the truth of the matter is, the modern player requires a regular arm around the shoulder to maintain their confidence. They tend to not respond well to public criticism. And they require a constant reminder that the coaching staff retains faith in them.
Constantly attacking your players both publicly and behind closed doors is the fastest way to ruin the modern footballer. Marcus Rashford is merely one of the more high profile individuals to fall victim to this paradigm shift in athlete mentality.
This is not necessarily a problem. It is simply a fact of the evolution of the game. And, a fact that contemporary managers need to understand in order to get the most out of their players. Being firmly from an older generation I had a hard time seeing this. So, I like many, bought into this idea that these players were bad eggs, poor trainers, and lacked mental fortitude.
But time provides perspective. And that perspective suggests that if these players, Marcus especially, had a better man manager to guide them, they may have fulfilled their potential in a Red Devils shirt. As an example, it is no surprise that Rashy found his most consistent form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Whom I would argue, other than Michael Carrick, was the best man manager United have had since Sir Alex.
Where Does Rashford Go From Here?
At 28 years old there is still a lot of potential left in Marcus Rashford. Potential which he has shown in his time at Barcelona this season in spades. On his way to winning the La Liga title with the Catalans, Marcus established himself as one of the teams most consistent goal contributors. He has tallied 14 goals and 11 assists this season. He also managed his highest number of goal contributions per match he has ever had. 0.80 per 90 minutes.
That being said, he is still technically a Manchester United player. Granted he has expressed his wish to stay at Barcelona. However, the Spanish champions are reluctant to pay his paltry $30 million buyout clause. Instead they are attempting to bend United over a barrel by insisting United let Barca take Rashy on loan again next season.
The reason being, Barcelona are facing serious sanctions and penalties from FIFA for their precarious financial situation. The clubs economic status is so bad that they have struggled in recent seasons to register players. Rashford included. Given their current debt problems are some of the worst in European football, they are attempting to play hardball with United. Which the Old Trafford front office has already made clear they want nothing to do with.
So where then will Marcus Rashford play next season? He is too old and too talented to be another one of United’s perennial loanees. Or to be another Paul Pogba, riding down his contract until he can leave on a free and catch one last pay day. However, after everything that has happened between United and Rashford it is hard to see him back in a Red Devils kit.
Rashford’s Options
If Rashy is indeed the self absorbed player people claim he is… Or if Manchester United’s treatment of their once prodigal son has left too sour a taste in his mouth, then his options are limited.
Rashford’s Future According to the Rumor Mill
According to the rumor mill Rashford looks increasingly unlikely to rejoin Barcelona. Rashford himself even said in a post match interview recently that his spectacular free kick in El Classico was ‘the perfect way’ to ‘end’ his time at Barcelona. However, when probed further about his future, the Englishman remained tight lipped.
United legend Jaap Stam has proposed an interesting option. Apparently the relationship between 26 year old Portuguese winger Rafael Leao and AC Milan has deteriorated significantly this season. Stam suggests that United should propose a player plus cash deal that would see United swap Rashy for the high flying Leao.
While Leao does fit Manchester United’s desired player profile, and is a player they have openly admired for several seasons, Stam offers no substantiation to his claims beyond his own opinion.
There are also rumors coming out of tier 2 media outlets that PSG, Juventus, Tottenham, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Newcastle are all actively tracking the attacker. However, other than requests to be kept informed of Rashford’s future, no solid approaches have been made by any club.
Another Loan
Personally, I feel another loan is not outside of the realm of possibility. Despite the Old Trafford front office‘s insistence they will not entertain any non permanent offers. However, I see it possibly happening under the following conditions.
First, the club he is loaned to must cover 100% of his wages. United’s biggest motivating factor to get rid of Rashford is his exorbitant salary. There is simply no way they will loan him out without his wages completely covered. Unfortunately, I find it hard to believe that any club will be willing to cover that amount. Especially given Rashford’s age and inconsistent form in recent seasons.
Second, United will want a significant loan fee. In this hypothetical scenario, by the time Rashford returns from loan next season he will be nearly 30. He will also be on the last year of his United contract. Meaning he will have no equity left in him for United to capitalize on. It simply doesn’t make financial sense to loan him unless there is a significant windfall for United. That reality becomes even more problematic given United want to use Rashford’s sale and home grown status to help offset their own financial fair play issues.
Third, United will want an obligation to buy inserted in his contract. Without one the Red Devils will lose their opportunity to cash in on Rashford should he return to Old Trafford. However, given how good of a season Rashy had in Spain, that obligation will likely be higher than the current $30 million Barcelona are being asked to pay.
An inflated price tag as well as a loan fee and his high wages, make it hard to believe any team would be interested in his services.
Rashford Reaches an Impasse
All of these conditions significantly narrow the list of clubs willing to sign him. Manchester United have made is clear they do not want to pay his excessive wages. But, the club have also made it clear that will hold firm on their valuation of Marcus. And they have repeatedly reiterated that they do not want to entertain another loan.
In addition to United’s stance, most of the clubs interested in signing Rashy have insisted that they have no interest in matching his wages. Meanwhile, the player himself has no interest in lowering his demands. He could just as easily get paid a premium to ride the pine for another year at Old Trafford before forcing his way out of the club for a cut rate in the last year of his contract.
Simply put, the situation has reached an impasse for all parties. Yet again, Manchester United’s poor handling of Marcus Rashford over the course of decade has left both the club and the player stuck between a rock and a hard place.
I do however, have a solution to propose. Both Manchester United and Rashford bury the hatchet and Rashford makes a triumphant return to Old Trafford!
Marcus Rashford’s Return to Manchester United
Before you fall out of your seat in a fit of hysterical laughter, hear me out. There is logic behind Marcus Rashford returning to Manchester United. Logic that goes beyond the theory that a loan is not an option and no teams have registered firm interest in buying him.
Marcus Rashford Still Loves Manchester United
First, Rashford has always expressed his undying love for United. Even after his exile. The problem was never Rashy falling out of love with United.
Rather, the problem was Manchester United siding with Ruben Amorim. Specifically, his insistence that Rashford was not good enough for his system. Amorim believed that Rashford lacked the work ethic to play in his preferred formation. He also believed that Rashford lacked the ability to play both sides of the ball.
While there may be truth in that assessment, I believe that Rashford saw Amorims treatment of him and several of his fellow teammates as overly harsh, targeted and unjustified. And as I have said previously, when a player feels so publicly ostracized it often perpetuates and exacerbates the very behavior they are being accused of. Which is the fault of the club and the manager. Not the player.
But, I also believe that there is a world where United can find a way to welcome Marcus back with open arms. Should they find the ability to do so there is potential for both parties to find the humility to kiss and make up. Particularly if Rashy is, as I believe, still in love with the Red Devils.
Michael Carrick And Marcus Rashford a Match Made in Heaven
The second thing to consider is the Michael Carrick factor. It has been confirmed that the Manchester United legend will take over as the full time manager. Additionally, in several pressers Carrick has stated he would welcome Marcus back with open arms if the scenario came to fruition.
That being said, it is important to note two things. Carrick was still a player during the Louis van Gaal era when Rashford made his debut. Rashford has said on multiple occasions how much Carrick was a guiding influence for him both as a youth player and a leader in the dressing room when he was elevated to the first team. In addition to having played together, Carrick was a coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer when Rashford found his most consistent form in a Red Devils kit.
The point being, that the two have a strong and well established relationship. Suggesting that Carrick may be just the manager Rashy needs to find his best form at Old Trafford once again.
I would further add that Carrick has already proven he has the man management skills required to get the most out of the modern player. Meaning, the new United manager and Rashy could genuinely be a match made in heaven.
Manchester United Need Players Like Rashford
Third, Manchester United have not been shy about expressing their need for reinforcements this summer. Specifically, players that can play as a left sided or central attacker. Both positions that Rashford excels at.
His time at Barcelona in particular has shown just how much Marcus has left in the tank. This season he managed 24 combined goals and assists as well as 0.80 goal involvements per 90 minutes. Not to mention, his incredible set piece goal against Real Madrid was reminiscent of the Rashford of old.
All of this is evidence that the England international is still an elite player with plenty to offer any team.
I would also add that he is likely to be far more effective at United without the rigidity and restraints placed on him by Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim. Carrick’s tactical flexibility would allow him to use Rashford in multiple positions across the front four. While simultaneously relieving the clear pressure that players like Sesko, Amad, Mbeumo and Cunha are all slowly feeling the effects of given United’s over reliance on them this season.
His stats, positional flexibility, experience and intimate knowledge of the club would make him an excellent fit to complement the current crop of attacking players at United. And a great mentor to the crop of youth players likely to be integrated into Carrick’s squad next season.
The Price is Right
Lastly, the price is right depending on how you look at it.
It is no secret that Manchester United are caught in the precarious position of being broke. Yet, also needing significant reinforcements. Especially, if they want to be competitive across four competitions next season.
Thus, United have earmarked $20-30 million to spend on a new attacking player. Add to that the wages any new player will demand, and United will likely be forced to commit somewhere in the realm of $30-40 million for a new attacker. Meanwhile, no player worth that little has the ceiling that Rashford has. Or the experience in European competition that he has.
Also consider Marcus’s current United contract. Yes, there is no getting around the fact that his wages will jump to around $400k per week with United in the Champions League. However, even with Champions League football his contract is only worth only $20 million annually. Which if my math is correct is still around half of the minimum layout they are likely to need to shell out for a new player.
Meaning, there is a valid argument that the cost of fulfilling his contract over the two years he has left on his current deal is likely to be less than what any new player will cost.
At which point, when his current deal is up in two years, United will also hopefully be in a stronger position both on the pitch and financially to do one of two things. Either negotiate a lower salary on a new deal. Or, to let him go and replace him with a higher caliber player after rebuilding their financial status.
The Prodigal Son Returns?
If reports are to be believed, there is little to no chance in reality that Marcus Rashford will ever play for Manchester United again. Most of the reliable transfer reporters like Fabrizio Romano, all have indicated that the relationship between the club and the player is simply too fractured for either party to consider a triumphant return.
There are also several examples of Rashford stating in the media that has moved on from his boyhood club. While he has also expressed that wants to continue broadening his horizons playing in Europe. However, that does not mean his return is outside of the realm of possibility. And, it does not mean there is no validity in arguing he should come home to Manchester.
He is a player in his prime, who can still produce elite numbers on the pitch. He is a home grown player. The current manager is more suited to his generational mentality and preferred style of play. He is the cheapest immediate option United could pursue in an attacking position. And, we all know how much the United front office love a cheap and easy option.
Not to mention, everyone loves a fairy tale ending. Rashford returning to Old Trafford is a publicists wet dream and could allow him to end his Manchester United career soaked in the glory he deserves.
I for one would love to see his return if only for nostalgia sake. And, I also believe that his treatment By Amorim, ten Hag and the club deserves rectification. Simply put, Rashford deserves another shot at glory in a Manchester United kit. I can only hope that Michael Carrick and the Old Trafford front office agrees.
Glory, Glory Man United!
Be the first to comment