Marcus Rashford has delivered a damning verdict on Manchester United's decline, claiming the club has been left in 'no man's land' due to a lack of identity since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement. The on-loan Barcelona striker, speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, said the club's predicament hurts him as both a player and a fan.
Rashford criticised the constant changes in management and strategy at Old Trafford, arguing they have undermined the principles established under Ferguson. 'Show me a successful team that just adapts,' he said. 'When Fergie was in charge, not only the principles for the first team, the whole academy set-up … they'd all understand the principles of playing the Man United way.' He added that United's approach has been 'reactionary' and lacking a clear direction.
The 27-year-old, who came through United's academy during Ferguson's tenure, pointed to Liverpool as an example of successful transition. 'When Liverpool went through this, they got Klopp, they stuck with him. They didn't win in the beginning … To start a transition, you have to make a plan and stick to it.'
Rashford's comments come after United finished 15th in the Premier League last season, their worst campaign since 1973-74. Ruben Amorim is the club's sixth permanent manager since Ferguson stepped down in 2013. Rashford, who was sidelined by Amorim before loans to Aston Villa and Barcelona, believes United will not contend for the title again unless they commit to a long-term plan.
