Through the years of his career, Marcus Rashford has been subject to both praise and public criticism from his managers. Here's a look at his years through the words of former and current Manchester United - and now Aston Villa managers.
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Aston Villa winger Marcus Rashford
Aston Villa winger Marcus Rashford(Image: Getty Images)
Aston Villa striker Marcus Rashford has been a central figure at Manchester United since bursting onto the scene as an 18-year-old in 2016.
From his early days under Louis van Gaal to his more recent struggles under Erik ten Hag, Rashford’s journey has been marked by moments of brilliance, challenges - and immense disappointment.
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Here is what his past and present managers have said about him...
Louis van Gaal
Rashford’s first taste of senior football came under Louis van Gaal in February 2016, when an injury crisis forced the Dutch manager to turn to the young forward.
Rashford made an explosive debut in the Europa League, scoring twice against FC Midtjylland, and followed it up with another brace against Arsenal in the Premier League just days later.
Van Gaal was quick to praise the youngster’s composure. He said: “Youngsters often play well in the first match. The second is different. Marcus played well in both so he is a special talent. His movement in the box was great, and he could be a very positive surprise for Manchester United."
While Van Gaal’s tenure at United was short-lived, his decision to trust in Rashford gave the club a star for the future.
Marcus Rashford and his former manager Louis van Haal
Marcus Rashford and his former manager Louis van Haal
José Mourinho
Under Mourinho, Rashford’s role became more complex. While the Portuguese manager valued his talent, he often deployed the player in various attacking roles - sometimes on the left wing, at other times as a secondary striker. Mourinho pushed Rashford to develop his all-around game, including his defensive contributions. Mourinho was known for his tough-love approach, often demanding more from Rashford.
In an interview with Univision, a US Spanish-language TV channel, he claimed Rashford – as well as Jesse Lingard, Anthony Martial and Luke Shaw – lacked maturity.
He said: “When I say that, I mean maturity at a personal level. We are more men, we are more mature, we were more prepared to face life. We were less protected. In England, they call it ‘spoilt'.
“I think kids these days have a different social life than us, and players have around them an entourage, and I mean a personal entourage, the people that surround them, that protect them more, give them more affection, more excuses. They reach maturity more slowly.”
Mourinho’s methods were not always well received by Rashford, and there were moments of frustration. However, the forward developed a greater tactical awareness and work ethic, which would serve him well in later years. One of Rashford’s best performances under Mourinho came in a 2-1 victory against Liverpool in 2018 when he scored both goals. Mourinho was delighted but also made it clear that he expected consistency.
Despite occasional tensions, a year after his departure as manager at Manchester United, Mourinho admitted Rashford had great potential. He said: “For me, the point is not his age. The point is his qualities, and for me he is potentially a very good player. He’s a very good player in some models of play, he’s a very good player in some positions.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Rashford enjoyed arguably the most prolific period of his career. He thrived as a left-sided forward, playing with freedom and confidence. In the 2019-2020 season, he scored 22 goals in all competitions, marking his best return at the time.
Solskjær, a former striker himself, was a huge admirer of Rashford’s abilities. He frequently compared him to England’s elite forwards, believing he could reach the very top.
“He can become a top, top one. We can talk about Harry Kane and his class, and I’m sure Marcus has got the potential to get up there,” Solskjær said in 2019. He gave Rashford more freedom to attack and encouraged him to take on defenders.
Rashford’s best moment under the Norwegian came in a 3-2 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League in 2019, where he scored the decisive penalty. However, injuries and fatigue took their toll. Solskjær often played Rashford even when he was not fully fit, which may have contributed to his later struggles.
Marcus Rashford and former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Marcus Rashford and former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær
Erik ten Hag
Rashford experienced a resurgence under Erik ten Hag, particularly during the 2022-23 season, when he scored 30 goals in all competitions – his best tally to date. However, squad discipline has been a major talking point under the Dutch manager.
Ten Hag emphasized professionalism and high standards, at one point dropping Rashford from the starting XI for being late to a team meeting. He explained his reasoning, saying: “Everyone has to meet standards and the rules. We have to be consistent. That is also what I expect on the pitch, otherwise we can’t be successful.”
“I think he gave the right answer. After the decision, he came in and was bright, he was lively, he scored a goal. It was the right reaction. Everyone has to follow rules and values."
Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford in conversation with his former manager Erik ten Hag
Marcus Rashford in conversation with his former manager Erik ten Hag
Rúben Amorim
Upon Amorim’s arrival, Rashford’s role within the team became a focal point. In a press conference, Amorim remarked on Rashford’s potential, stating: “Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him, but he has to change.”
Amorim’s approach to team discipline was evident in his management style. Addressing Rashford’s exclusion from certain matches, he explained: “The reason is the training. If things don’t change, I will not change.”
The manager’s candidness extended to his assessment of Rashford’s commitment. He said: “I would rather pick our 63-year-old goalkeeping coach, Jorge Vital, than Marcus Rashford.”
A parting of the ways was coming... and Rashford ended up at Aston Villa on loan in January, but with a potential £40m permanent deal possible come the summer.
Marcus Rashford and Ruben Amorim
Marcus Rashford and Ruben Amorim(Image: Getty Images)
Rashford - the future?
Villa boss Unai Emery has played a pivotal role in rejuvenating Rashford in the the few weeks he has been at Villa Park.
With three assists to his name and already close to starting his goal account, Rashford looks to be finding his rhythm once again after a period of huge uncertainty at Old Trafford.
Emery has been a strong advocate for Rashford’s abilities, having played a key role in bringing him to Villa Park. Despite the early promise, Emery is focused on helping Rashford maintain consistency and continue his positive progression.
“We want to support him. Help him. Try to help him to feel comfortable here. Try to help him get confidence with us, try to be demanding with him. He is in this process,” Emery said after Rashford’s performance against Chelsea a couple of weeks ago.
Asked by Sky Sports what Villa were doing to get the best out of Rashford, Emery added: “Trying to get him to work and play like us. Trying to use the skill he has with the tactical side.”