Marcus Rashford no longer looks certain to leave Manchester United this summer but questions remain when it comes to the forward's future
Rio Ferdinand speaking on mic
Rio Ferdinand has had plenty to say about Marcus Rashford(Image: Piermarco Tacca - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand appears to have changed his mind on Marcus Rashford. Ferdinand previously suggested Rashford had no way back at Old Trafford but now believes the England international could benefit from embracing a different role at his parent club.
Rashford spent the last season-and-a-half out on loan, first at Aston Villa and then at Barcelona. The Catalan club had an option to sign him permanently for around £26million but let that option expire earlier this month.
A goal for England against Croatia on Wednesday put his future back in focus, though. Ferdinand now seems to believe the 'finisher' role for England - and one he occupied at times with Barcelona - could be a way for Rashford to revive his career at the club where he made his debut as a teenager more than a decade ago.
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In January 2025, Rashford's treatment by then-manager Ruben Amorim left Ferdinand convinced the player's United career was over. "If I was the player the manager said that about, my heart, my pride, my ego - it's embarrassment," the former England international said on his Rio Ferdinand Presents YouTube channel.
"For someone to question your application, to question you giving 100 per cent for the team, saying you're lacking effort and taking shortcuts, that's a damning comment. There's no way back for Marcus after that. If he did come back that means other players can take their foot off the gas and have a way back into the team and take shortcuts."
Marcus Rashford celebrating with his England team-mates
Marcus Rashford's goal from the bench sealed victory for England over Croatia(Image: Bradley Collyer/PA Wire)
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In the latest episode of the same YouTube show, however, Ferdinand put forward his new argument. "Manchester United might have to reevaluate Marcus Rashford’s situation," he said.
"It seems like he has matured; the time away from the club may have done him the good that he needed, and it has cleansed both parties. Is it time to shake hands and come back?"
He argued the year under Hansi Flick in Catalunya has helped the player better understand his role, adding: "He was given a role at Barcelona, told he would be an impact player at times, to come on and change games. At England, that is his role, and that’s a huge asset to the squad in this competition."
Rashford has now scored in back-to-back World Cups, having netted three times in Qatar in 2022. He will be pushing for a start against Ghana in England's second match but has already given United and potential buying clubs some food for thought.