Marcus Rashford Slams Manchester United Reveals Decline Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s Exit

Marcus Rashford has spoken with raw honesty about Manchester United’s decline since Sir Alex Ferguson stepped down, insisting the club has lost the values and clear direction that once made it dominant.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast alongside Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, Rashford—currently spending the season on loan at Barcelona—pulled no punches as he described United’s struggles. He argued that the club has been stuck in “no man’s land” for more than a decade, weighed down by endless managerial changes and short-term decisions that have left the team adrift.

The 26-year-old, who rose through United’s youth system under Ferguson’s watch, said the lack of a long-term blueprint has made it impossible to compete seriously for the Premier League title. He pointed out that during Ferguson’s era, the entire academy was built around one philosophy—the “Manchester United way.” This meant that whether you were 15 or 25, players understood the style and principles expected of them. That consistency, Rashford said, has disappeared, replaced by reactive signings and tactical shifts with every new coach.

Last season United slumped to 15th in the table—their lowest finish since 1974—and are now on their sixth permanent manager since Ferguson retired in 2013. Rashford believes that instability has prevented the team from making any real progress. He also questioned the idea that United are in “transition,” arguing that a true transition requires a clear plan and the patience to see it through—something no manager has been afforded.

To underline his point, Rashford highlighted Liverpool’s rebuild under Jürgen Klopp. The German coach went trophyless for his first three years, but because the club stuck with him and trusted the process, he eventually delivered the Champions League and Premier League. For Rashford, that patience and consistency is exactly what United have lacked.

The forward admitted that the club’s struggles have been painful to watch, not just as a player but also as a lifelong fan. He stressed that until the board commits to a long-term vision and resists the urge to constantly reset, United will remain caught between eras, unable to rediscover their true identity.

“We’ve been far below where Manchester United should be,” Rashford said, reflecting the frustration of both supporters and players. “When you change direction so many times, you don’t move forward—you just end up stuck.”