Marcus Rashford has claimed that Manchester United’s strategy in the years following Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement has been “reactionary,” leaving the club at times in “no man’s land.”
The England forward, who joined United’s academy at the age of seven, left Old Trafford in January last season to join Aston Villa on loan.
This summer, he completed another temporary move, joining Spanish champions Barcelona for the 2025-26 campaign.
Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, Rashford reflected on the stability and consistency he believes United have lacked since Ferguson stepped down in 2013.
“When Ferguson was in charge, not only were there principles for the first team but they were for the whole academy,” he said.
“So you could pick players from 15 years, a full generation, and they’d all understand the principles of playing the Manchester United way.”
Although Rashford did not feature in the senior side under Ferguson, he came through the youth ranks during the legendary manager’s tenure.
In the years since, United have appointed seven permanent managers, with Ruben Amorim – who replaced Erik ten Hag last November – being the latest.
United endured their worst-ever Premier League finish last season, ending up 15th. Rashford believes the constant changes in leadership have prevented any true rebuild.
“People say we’ve been in a transition for years. To be in a transition, you have to start the transition. So it’s like the actual transition’s not started yet,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Ole Gunnar Solskjær was United’s longest-serving manager since Ferguson, lasting three years in the job. But the club has not lifted the Premier League trophy since the Scot retired in 2013.
“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,” Rashford added.
“I feel like we’ve had that many different managers and different ideas and different strategies in order to win. You end up in the middle of… You end up in no man’s land.”
When asked if the team’s decline has been personally painful, Rashford replied: “Yeah, 100%. But not only as a player, just as a United fan.”
The 27-year-old also pointed to Liverpool’s decision to stand by Jürgen Klopp during his early seasons, before the German went on to win the club’s first league title in 30 years and their sixth European Cup.
“So when Liverpool went through this [transitional period], they got Klopp, they stuck with him. They didn’t win in the beginning. True. Do you know what I mean?” Rashford said.
“People only remember his final few years when he was competing with [Manchester] City and winning the biggest trophies. He certainly didn’t win for three years.
“So it’s like to start a transition, you have to make a plan and stick to it. So this is the thing that I feel. It’s not easy. Because if it’s not going well, the fans demand.”
