When Marcus Rashford struggled against Victory Plzen in December 2024, it was clear that something was not right with the Manchester United striker.
The smile has long since faded from the Englishman’s face and his form has declined significantly after his 30-goal heroics in 2022/23.
His subsequent omission from the Derby squad seemed to be the final straw, with Ruben Amorim wielding the ax mercilessly in an attempt to clean up United’s conduct off the pitch.
A long exile ensued, but we are back, with Rashford back in the side under Michael Carrick. But will he stay?
Are Manchester United right to reintegrate Marcus Rashford?
Those who try to blame United’s recent woes on Rashford’s return are being somewhat unfair, with the 28-year-old having been a bright spark during a difficult period for the Red Devils.
Bryan Mbeumo, who was also a real thorn in the side of Brighton and Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup, looked like the old Rashford for just a brief moment after agonizingly missing an assist against Ipswich Town.
However, for any striker, their currency is goals and assists and the academy graduate has not had anything to say so far, especially after missing a great chance to equalize against the Seagulls.
He may have disrupted the forward line, with Matheus Cunha turning into an unfit centre-forward, although that has more to do with injuries to Amad and Benjamin Cesko than Rashford himself.
At a time when transfers are expensive – as shown by Tottenham Hotspur’s £75m option to buy Mihailo Mudric – and there is a need to strengthen the forward line, it makes sense to bring back Rashford, with the Three Lions star undoubtedly proving a success at Barcelona.
There is no doubt that the decision to reintegrate into society has its merits, although whether it is a short-term solution remains to be seen.
How long does Rashford have left on his contract with Manchester United?
Whatever you think of United’s polarizing No.9, it would be frustrating to lose him permanently to the Catalan side for just a fee of £26 million.
At his best, Rashford remains at least one of the best players in the Premier League and Carrick has rightly suggested he could be something of a “new signing” this season.
The bigger concern is more about whether he can guarantee his reported £300,000-a-week contract, and whether Ineos should extend his contract.
How much do Manchester United forwards earn? | ||
|---|---|---|
player | weekly salary | contract expires |
Marcus Rashford | £300,000 | June 30, 2028 |
Benjamin Sesko | £200,000 | June 30, 2030 |
Matthews Cunha | £180,000 | June 30, 2030 |
Brian Mbemo | £150,000 | June 30, 2030 |
Amad | £120,000 | June 30, 2030 |
Joshua Zikze | £105,000 | June 30, 2029 |
Considering his current contract expires in 2028, if United are serious about retaining him long-term, new terms must be offered as soon as possible.
Knowing Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the way he works together, having sacked high-earning players such as Casemiro and Jadon Sancho, it would be no surprise to see Rashford suffer a similar fate.
In fact, his position may also be threatened by those coming from the academy ranks.
Manchester United have perfect Rashford replacement in mind
United do appear to be lagging behind financially under the weight of Glazer ownership, with the club’s summer spending dwarfed by the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Tottenham.
Ineos excelled in midfield but were so lacking in depth and quality in other areas, with Amade only injured once and Sesco further hampered, leaving the forward line in disarray.
As with modern United, the onus may fall on Carrington to regroup and fill the gaps, but thankfully the club has an exciting crop of young talent.
JJ Gabriel is a potential solution on the left and by all accounts he looks set to head elsewhere, although teenager Noah Ajayi could replace Rashford before too long.
Indeed, the club announced on Friday that 17-year-old Ajayi has signed his first long-term professional contract, cementing his future at Old Trafford.
United have made a big deal out of the news, with social media flooded with pictures of the young winger, giving an idea of just how revered he is at Carrington, which is telling.
The promising 6ft 2in German is a unique left-winger who has impressed at youth level recently, playing an important role under U18s head coach Darren Fletcher, while also getting game time at U21 level.
According to Transfermarkt, at his current age he has scored 10 goals in 28 recorded games, notably scoring against Newcastle United in the U18 Premier League this season.
His height and playing style ensure that he can move well between the left and even the centre, ensuring that he is likely to pose a direct threat to Rashford and Matheus Cunha on the left.
Gabriel’s explosive development may seem like a major setback, but United have another one to watch in Ajayi, who has signed a long-term contract with the club in what is undoubtedly a real coup.
With Rashford having less than two years left on his contract, his own future will soon come under scrutiny again and the Red Devils appear to have a succession plan in place.