“He will End up like Jesse Lingard if he continues like this. This is what he needs to do now to help him get back to top form. And he needs to start against Man City”-Fans are happy as Troy Deeney reveals a secret to Marcus Rashford which will help him get back to top form when he starts doing this
I genuinely want Marcus Rashford to thrive and become the extraordinary player everyone knows he has the potential to be. Yet, what we’re witnessing is a concerning decline—not just in his performance but in his overall demeanor. Despite the managerial changes at Manchester United, the same issues persist, leaving one to wonder: does Rashford still have the desire to play at the highest level?
The life of a footballer may seem glamorous from the outside, with its wealth and fame, but behind the scenes, there are immense pressures to contend with. Rashford appears to be struggling under the weight of these pressures, and it’s difficult to imagine him suddenly transforming into a consistent, world-class performer. This realization is truly disheartening, particularly when considering the mental toll this situation must take on him.
At 27, Rashford should be at his peak, harnessing his pace, strength, and technical skills to dominate as a modern winger or striker. However, his attitude and drive resemble that of someone nearing the end of their career, not someone in their prime. The contrast with players like Jamie Vardy, still displaying boundless energy and hunger at 37, couldn’t be starker. Rashford carries himself like someone burdened by the world, shifting blame when things go wrong and delivering uninspired performances.
There are still glimpses of brilliance in his play, moments where he reminds us of his capabilities. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him score a decisive goal against Manchester City, but these fleeting moments are far too rare to sustain a career at the highest level.
Manchester United, in many ways, has enabled this situation. The club has repeatedly rewarded mediocrity with exorbitant contracts, and Rashford has become emblematic of this culture. As the academy’s star graduate, he has often been shielded from accountability. When new managers arrive, there’s a temporary resurgence—a few games of a “rejuvenated” Rashford—only for old habits to resurface: inconsistent performances, lack of effort, and eventual benchings.
Ruben Amorim, after substituting Rashford during Thursday’s match against Viktoria Plzen, reportedly expressed frustration while reiterating his willingness to support the player. However, he also made it clear that improvement ultimately depends on Rashford himself. This encapsulates the crux of the issue—change must come from within.
Many argue that United’s negative environment contributes to Rashford’s struggles. Yet this doesn’t explain why players like Harry Maguire or Bruno Fernandes continue to give their all. Nor does it explain the attitude of young academy product Kobbie Mainoo, who shows hunger and determination while learning from good role models. At some point, Rashford must take responsibility for his own discipline, work ethic, and passion. Without these qualities, his results will always fall short.
Currently, Rashford seems like a remnant of United’s troubled past, kept more to avoid backlash than for genuine contribution. The question is: where could he go from here? Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta likely wouldn’t risk disrupting the culture of professionalism he’s built. Chelsea’s young, dynamic squad might seem like a potential fit, but would they want him? And even if they did, would any Premier League side justify paying wages that suggest he’s among the league’s best when he’s not even securing a starting spot at United?
Perhaps a move abroad could offer a fresh start, but even that seems uncertain. A change of scenery alone may not reignite the fire needed to fulfill his potential.
What’s most frustrating is that Rashford has had ample examples around him of what happens when talent isn’t matched by effort and focus. Players like Jesse Lingard serve as cautionary tales, yet Rashford appears indifferent to these warnings.
No one wants Rashford to fail. His journey—from local boy to academy star and fan favorite—should be one of triumph. Yet, unless he takes a hard look at himself and commits to turning things around, his legacy risks being defined by squandered potential. The choice is his to make: put in the work to revive his career or let it continue to fade away.