Marcus Rashford says Manchester United has lacked a clear football philosophy since Sir Alex Ferguson retired.
Former Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has hit out at the club’s strategy since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement, calling it “reactionary” and saying the team has been stuck in “no man’s land” due to frequent managerial changes.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Rashford, who joined United’s academy at the age of seven and is currently on a season-long loan at Barcelona from Aston Villa, said Ferguson’s era was built on clear principles that were understood across generations.
“You could pick players from 15 years, a full generation, and they’d all understand the principles of playing the Manchester United way,” he said.
Since Ferguson stepped down in 2013, United have appointed seven permanent managers. Ruben Amorim replaced Erik ten Hag last November, with Ole Gunnar Solskjær being the longest-serving post-Ferguson boss, lasting three years.
During this period, United have failed to win the Premier League and suffered their worst-ever league finish last season, ending up 15th. Rashford believes the absence of a long-term plan has been a key reason for the club’s decline.
“People say we’ve been in a transition for years. To be in a transition, you have to start the transition… At times, I feel like United have just been hungry to win, so we’ll always try to adapt and sign players that fit this system. But it’s reactionary,” he explained.
The England international contrasted United’s approach with Liverpool’s under Jürgen Klopp, who went three seasons without silverware before winning the Premier League.
“To start a transition, you have to make a plan and stick to it,” Rashford said, adding that constant changes make sustained success impossible.
Asked if watching United’s struggles has been painful, Rashford replied:
“Yeah, 100%. But not only as a player, just as a United fan.”
