Ryan Giggs had an accurate take on Marcus Rashford's career since leaving Manchester United on loan
Ryan Giggs watching Marcus Rashford in training
Marcus Rashford's smile returned during his time at Aston Villa says Ryan Giggs
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Ryan Giggs was proved right that Marcus Rashford is once again enjoying his football after leaving Manchester United. The 28-year-old last played for his boyhood club in December 2024 before he was banished from the first-team by Ruben Amorim just a month after the Portuguese manager's arrival.
A loan move to Aston Villa was green-lit in the January transfer window. While his form did improve at Villa Park, which resulted in him being called up to Thomas Tuchel's first England squad, Unai Emery opted against making his temporary stay a permanent one.
Although he returned to Old Trafford in the summer, it didn't last long as he secured a season-long loan to Barcelona. The forward has looked like the Rashford of old in Spain with 15 goals and assists in 17 games across all competitions so far.
A move away from Manchester was one Rashford revealed he needed last year and Giggs admitted the choice to depart the Red Devils was the correct choice for him. The United legend, who turns 52 today, served as Louis van Gaal's assistant when Rashford made his United debut at the age of 18, back in 2016.
The Welshman had a front-row seat as Rashford netted a brace on his full debut in a 5-1 home victory over FC Midtjylland in the Europa League. It was during Giggs' appearance on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast earlier this year that he said a return to United is not on the cards for Rashford when asked if the possibility remained.
"No. I don't think he looked happy at United," Giggs told his former team-mate. "I think he looks happier now. I just don't. Which is a shame because obviously I'd seen him as a part of the staff when we'd given him his debut."
Questioned on what he'd tell Rashford if he was working under Amorim, the former United captain called out the forward's work ethic and said the club's fanbase will not accept a player giving less than his all.
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Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona shots the ball during their first FC Barcelona open training session at Spotify Camp Nou. 23,000 fans will watch Barcelona play during a sold-out open door training session at the new Spotify Camp Nou today, as the stadium reopens following it's closure for refurbishment on May 28, 2023, on November 07, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain
Marcus Rashford has enjoyed a return to form at Barcelona(Image: Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
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"First of all, he's got to work harder," Giggs said. "I talked about no matter what position on the pitch you are, you sprint back as quick as you sprint forward, and aesthetically, it didn't look great. Especially if the team ain't doing well.
"Because fans will forgive you for missing a chance. They won't forgive you for not working hard enough. They just won't. Because they can do that. They can sprint. Everyone can. But then also, what I talked about, you know that he can play up there.
"He's done it everywhere. He's done it on the biggest stage. It's hard from looking outside to in. But it looked like he's not enjoying it. And you've got to enjoy it. Especially flare players, attacking players.
Ryan Giggs sitting on a sofa
Ryan Giggs admitted he felt Rashford looked happier at Aston Villa
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"Because that's your best moments. When your confidence is high, you're trying things. Don't always come off. But play instinctively and play like you did when you were younger. Freedom."
Rashford may be playing his best football in recent years but it remains to be seen whether his relationship with Amorim could be patched up ahead of his potential return back in Manchester next summer.
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