Rashford at Man United: From childhood dream to Old Trafford nightmare

VHO - Marcus Rashford's dream of playing for Manchester United has been shattered, leaving behind pieces that cannot be put back together. Tactical conflicts, public pressure, and a rash moment at a Belfast nightclub have pushed him away from Old Trafford - a place that used to be his "home", but is now just a bad memory.

Dreams Fall Apart

The Red Devils announced a contract extension for Marcus Rashford about two years ago. At that time, Rashford said: "Where you belong". But after only two transfer windows, he is no longer a part of Old Trafford. The England international, who came through United's youth system, was expected to become the new symbol of the team.

In a rare interview in the winter of 2024, Rashford declared himself ready to seek “new challenges” — a signal that a move away from his boyhood club was inevitable. The 27-year-old has since fallen out of favour at United, and is currently on loan at Aston Villa. Rashford has gone from a seven-year-old footballing dreamer to a nightmare. What led to his downfall?

No longer suitable for Amorim's tactics

Coach Ruben Amorim – who will take over at Manchester United at the end of 2024 – has dropped Rashford because his attitude and playing style do not fit his system. The Portuguese coach stated firmly: “It is my decision.”

In fact, Rashford had made an impressive start under Amorim, scoring after just 81 seconds on his debut. He had four goals in the first four Premier League games, behind only two other players in that period. However, the conflict arose not because of form, but because of tactical thinking and attitude.

Amorim shared: “I couldn’t make Marcus understand how my tactics and training methods worked.” After that statement, Rashford was left out of the squad for 13 consecutive matches. The coach even sarcastically said: “It’s better to leave the 63-year-old goalkeeper on the bench than to call Rashford back.” Only when Rashford left did this tension end.

He also openly criticised Rashford's "training style, lifestyle and daily details" - a veiled reference to his off-field troubles, particularly his habit of partying all night.

Off-field scandal

Not only Amorim, but also coach Erik ten Hag has previously publicly criticized Rashford. Just three months after signing a five-year contract in 2022, Ten Hag openly condemned Rashford's visit to a nightclub after the Manchester derby defeat as "unacceptable".

In the spring of 2024, the England striker continued to cause controversy when he was spotted at two nightclubs in Northern Ireland on two consecutive nights, then called in sick to avoid training. These incidents caused many to doubt his professionalism and commitment to the profession.

Rays of light between the lines

Rashford's Manchester journey has been a series of explosive moments interspersed with inconsistencies. In 10 Premier League seasons, he has only broken the 20-goal and assist mark twice: 2019–20 and 2022–23 — both of which saw United finish third.

The direct counter-attacking style of play during those two seasons suited Rashford’s pace and finishing ability. “We wanted to play the Manchester United way — head-to-head, no defensive clumps,” manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær told the Stick to Football podcast, but he also admitted the team were “not ready” and “not good enough.”

Under Solskjær, Rashford scored 17 Premier League goals in a team that played a good passing game. In the 2022–23 season, Erik ten Hag continued to develop the counter-attacking style, helping Rashford reach a career-high of 30 goals in all competitions. But when that system became predictable in the 2023–24 season, United's attack faltered and Rashford sank with it.

Under scrutiny

As a product of the Carrington academy, Rashford shouldered great expectations in the context of the team falling into crisis. If the 1992 generation had Cantona, Keane or Schmeichel to share the burden, Rashford almost had to face the great pressure of the stage alone.

In a conversation with Andy Murray during the pandemic, Rashford shared: “I don’t really like the attention off the pitch. You dream about scoring goals for United, but you’re not prepared for your life to change overnight.” He admitted that he was not ready to face that pressure.

Rashford’s story is reminiscent of Dennis Rodman – the basketball legend who once said: “I play football for free, and I get paid to endure the pressure.” Small mistakes, like the trip to Belfast, quickly become a crisis, leaving Rashford increasingly lost.

What future for Rashford?

Rashford is currently on loan at Aston Villa, where he has four goals and six assists in 17 games — not bad numbers. But his real future lies with Barcelona, who have just completed a loan deal that will run until the 2025–26 season, with an option to buy for €30 million ($34 million).

“This is where dreams come true,” he said with longing in his voice.

At Camp Nou, Rashford has to compete with names like Raphinha, Lamine Yamal or Robert Lewandowski. He not only has to fight to prove his ability, but also to find himself again, the boy who once dreamed of scoring for Man United but was not ready for the harsh world off the pitch.

Rashford's future remains a question mark. Barcelona could be a place of rebirth, or just another sad chapter in a turbulent career. Either way, he will keep running, still fighting, with a heavy heart but never losing hope.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/rashford-tai-man-united-tu-uoc-mo-tuoi-tho-den-ac-mong-old-trafford-156335.html