Marcus Rashford has criticised Manchester United for failing to implement a clear plan in the years since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, with the England forward now on loan at Barcelona
Tom Victor Senior Sports Journalist and Will Schofield Senior Sports Reporter
10:13, 13 Aug 2025Updated 10:19, 13 Aug 2025
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has slammed Man Utd(Image: Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford reckons Manchester United have found themselves "in no man's land" and "can't expect to win the league" following years of managerial upheaval.
Ruben Amorim is now in the hot seat, with the Portuguese boss preparing for his maiden full campaign at the helm. That season will kick off without Rashford at Old Trafford.
The England ace has joined Barcelona on loan and could make the move to Catalunya permanent if all goes to plan. While his attention is firmly fixed on La Liga duties, he's expressed concern about the constant changes at Old Trafford that have led United to this predicament.
"People say that we've been in a transition for years but to be in a transition you have to start it. The actual transition hasn't started yet," Rashford told The Rest is Football Podcast.
"When Liverpool went through this, they got [Jurgen] Klopp and stuck with him. They didn't win in the beginning. People only remember his final few years when he was competing with [Manchester] City and winning the biggest trophies.
Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim is about to start his first full season at the helm of the Red Devils(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"To start a transition you have to make a plan and stick to it. This is where I speak about being realistic about what your situation is. We've had that many different managers, ideas and strategies in order to win that you end up in no man's land," reports the Mirror.
Liverpool made it to the Europa League final in Klopp's debut season, falling short against Sevilla. United achieved the same feat under Amorim's initial tenure, though it's unclear whether the club will show similar patience to their Merseyside rivals.
Klopp had been at Anfield for over two-and-a-half years before reaching the Champions League final, and it took three-and-a-half years to secure a trophy. Since Sir Alex Ferguson's departure from Old Trafford in 2013, no manager has held the position for three years.
BARCELONA, SPAIN - AUGUST 10: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona disappointed during the match between FC Barcelona v Como at the Lluis Companys Olympic Stadium on August 10, 2025 in Barcelona Spain (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona(Image: Soccrates Images, Getty Images)
"Show me a successful team that just adapts," Rashford mused, reflecting on the Ferguson era and what has transpired since.
"When Fergie was in charge, not only the principles for the first team – the whole academy set up so you could pick players from 15 years and over – that's a full generation. And they'd all understand the principles of playing the Man United way, right?".
"You see it with any team that's been successful over a period of time – they have principles that any coach that comes in, any player that comes in, has to align to these principles or be able to add to these principles.
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"Whereas at times I feel like United have just been... we're hungry to win, so we'll always try to adapt and to sign players that fit this system. But it's reactionary.
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"If your direction’s always changing, you can’t expect to be able to win the league. Yeah, you might win some cup tournaments, but it’s because you do have a good coach and you do have good players and you have match winners in your team – you’re not there by accident."
As United gear up to start the new season against Arsenal on Sunday, Amorim has bolstered his squad. Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko have strengthened the attack, while Diego Leon adds depth to the defence.