Marcus Rashford | 2026/27 Performances

[Grande]

This is the only subject I’m aware of where the mindset of “I’m the arbiter of whether your interest in it demands an explanation” comes into play. I’m never sure who died and as a result a small number of posters have constantly tried to ration interest in the topic.


Maybe if I looked more at that counting thread in the General forum, you’re there with the others giving the opinion that some posters are counting too much and should move along.

I find the whole Rashford saga interesting. I don’t think that’s unclear. I don’t owe you or anyone else an explanation for that.

Nobody in here owes anybody anything. People comment on various things they find worthy of commenting on or asking about for one reason or another. We are sitting safe in our own houses or workspaces and whatnot. You comment alot on Marcus Rashford, finding his whole saga interesting. That is perfectly allowed. And not because I say so. It’s the forum rules, what the forum is. Does that mean that others are not allowed to react to your comments, comment upon them or ask questions about them? No.what is demanded of us is to keep within the forum rules, which the mods do their best to keep track of. I try to abide by them. I also try to comment or discuss respectfully, which sometimes Ii slip up on to be sure, and which is why I apologized to you for the tone of my first responses to you.

You have misconstrued the whole activity on here if you think I have any arbiterial power, or that you have some debt to anyone. I commented on the way you criticize Rashford because it happened to stick out to me like a sore thumb in the eye. I don’t sit around counting posters posts, and I don’t really believe you believe that either. It happens so that your serial posting about Rashford was striking to the eye, and drew attention. You probably don’t like it, it seems, then again, it’s just what happens if you write many posts on a forum about a topic in a way that sticks out. It’s the consequenses of your own actions, as well as the consequences of my attention.

What I find a bit funny, is that your interest in Rashford so clearly bears the print of annoyance or dislike, they don’t at all seem line a neutral curious interest about some topic, and resulted in a series of criticizing Rashford on your part. It both annoyed me and made me curious, leading me to criticizing you, and what I find kind of curious is how our ‘interests’ in this case has such a similar pattern to them, yet you don’t seem to see that at all. Your ‘interested critique’ seems to be a personal and private matter that deserves protection. My critque and questions are, however ‘attacks’ that must be defended, ‘demands’ that must be thwarted and ‘arbitership’ that must be opposed.

It would be a breath of fresh air, at least in this thread, if you either just wrote openly and sincerely answers to sincere questions, or perhaps in the other direction, owed up by saying that you in deed see youself as the arbiter of Marcus Rashford, and you demand the explanation he owes you, and you will attack him until you get it.

At least it would be less of a repetition than so many other posts in this thread.

 

[Swiss_Red89]

I love to have him back. Absolutely love it and don't care what anyone says.

Fingers crossed he shuts the haters up in the next 12 months.

 

[pacifictheme]

I think everyone would love all our players to play well next season. Seems unlikely in this instance but I hope he shuts me up. Sadly even if he plays well, he will still be him.

 

[KStandBarmyArmy1993]

I think we all need to have some collective agreement that we don't analyse his every movement over the next few months. The discussion over him became crazy in the last 18 months.

Armchair psychologists posting something like: "He didn't really smile that much after scoring yesterday, what does this mean??"

I'm excited to see how he does in a more settled environment and also where he's not playing 90 minutes every match so hopefully be a lot fresher.

If it all goes to shit again, let's discuss things in January and then you'd hope the club makes a long term decision.

 

[Mike Smalling]

I think we all need to have some collective agreement that we don't analyse his every movement over the next few months. The discussion over him became crazy in the last 18 months.

Armchair psychologists posting something like: "He didn't really smile that much after scoring yesterday, what does this mean??"

I'm excited to see how he does in a more settled environment and also where he's not playing 90 minutes every match so hopefully be a lot fresher.

If it all goes to shit again, let's discuss things in January and then you'd hope the club makes a long term decision.

Agree. Ideally he is judged on the same basis as every other player in the squad.

 

[Sky1981]

I love to have him back. Absolutely love it and don't care what anyone says.

Fingers crossed he shuts the haters up in the next 12 months.

How many seasons has he shut you up?

 

[Sky1981]

I think we all need to have some collective agreement that we don't analyse his every movement over the next few months. The discussion over him became crazy in the last 18 months.

Armchair psychologists posting something like: "He didn't really smile that much after scoring yesterday, what does this mean??"

I'm excited to see how he does in a more settled environment and also where he's not playing 90 minutes every match so hopefully be a lot fresher.

If it all goes to shit again, let's discuss things in January and then you'd hope the club makes a long term decision.

Armchair psychologist and physio?

 

[Betson]

I know he is only back less than a week but by all accounts , reports etc he is showing a good attitude in training , working hard and determined to make the best of the situation.

I still would not be surprised if he goes on loan again as he is not a guaranteed starter here.

But if he does stay , supporters should back him and give him the benefit of the doubt until he gives them a reason not too , clean slate time.

If he does turn it around here it would be a great redemption story , but he has to dig in and work hard and accept he will not be considered an automatic starter until he earns that privilege again.

 

[Shark]

I love to have him back. Absolutely love it and don't care what anyone says.

Fingers crossed he shuts the haters up in the next 12 months.

Haters being who, those who support the club and not individuals on obscene money who can't be bothered to put in a shift?

 

[AlexFerguson]

Haters being who, those who support the club and not individuals on obscene money who can't be bothered to put in a shift?

The people who call Gary Neville anti-United but then go online post even more anti-United content about Rashford.

 

[KStandBarmyArmy1993]

Agree. Ideally he is judged on the same basis as every other player in the squad.

The problem is the second he misplaces a pass, misses an slightly looking chance, you'll get people offering a ridiculous level of over analysis.

Just seen a good example of something off the pitch on Twitter.

Recent picture of Rashford with some kids after last night - "Just what I feared PRashford is back"

 

[Smores]

I know he is only back less than a week but by all accounts , reports etc he is showing a good attitude in training , working hard and determined to make the best of the situation.

I still would not be surprised if he goes on loan again as he is not a guaranteed starter here.

But if he does stay , supporters should back him and give him the benefit of the doubt until he gives them a reason not too , clean slate time.

If he does turn it around here it would be a great redemption story , but he has to dig in and work hard and accept he will not be considered an automatic starter until he earns that privilege again.

So the same story we hear every summer from him and his PR team.

He hasn't earned a clean slate if he wants fans to back him then he has to earn it on the pitc, he should be the hardest working one on the pitch to regain trust. The fans largely support those who put in the effort it's that simple.

 

[Berggy20913]

The people who call Gary Neville anti-United but then go online post even more anti-United content about Rashford.

Anti-United is not understanding why a player was propped up as one of the standard bearers at this club cannot conduct himself the way Rashford did. Forget how well or badly he played, if you or anyone need explaining what work ethic, commitment, leaving everything on the pitch and leading from the front means at this club, I'll be happy to personally fill you in. If you already know this, why do you find the way he conducted himself acceptable?

 

[KStandBarmyArmy1993]

Anti-United is not understanding why a player was propped up as one of the standard bearers at this club cannot conduct himself the way Rashford did. Forget how well or badly he played, if you or anyone need explaining what work ethic, commitment, leaving everything on the pitch and leading from the front means at this club, I'll be happy to personally fill you in. If you already know this, why do you find the way he conducted himself acceptable?

This is the thing. A lot of the abuse aimed at Rashford was way over the top.

I've made the point several times that people (on both sides) didn't acknowledge the vast middle ground.

I've seen hundreds of people call him in a PR merchant for meeting fans and then the following week call him a disgrace because he didn't spend enough time with a fan outside the ground.

One week, he didn't care then the next he "was crying for likes" after looking emotional post Cup final in 2024.

Loads of big United accounts on socials slating him for having a drink on holiday a couple of weeks ago but ignoring everyone else that does that.

His poor performances shouldn't be excused but let's have a bit of balance. I'd also maintain the club and various managers need to take some of the blame for how things ended up.

 

[Sky1981]

I know he is only back less than a week but by all accounts , reports etc he is showing a good attitude in training , working hard and determined to make the best of the situation.

I still would not be surprised if he goes on loan again as he is not a guaranteed starter here.

But if he does stay , supporters should back him and give him the benefit of the doubt until he gives them a reason not too , clean slate time.

If he does turn it around here it would be a great redemption story , but he has to dig in and work hard and accept he will not be considered an automatic starter until he earns that privilege again.

This reports always starts preseason. Then when the actual season starts he cant be arsed to work hard enough on the pitch

How many times do we need to give him a clean slate?

 

[Herschel Krustofsky]

Ideally he is judged on the same basis as every other player in the squad.

Athleticism, press resistance and height?

 

[Swiss_Red89]

Haters being who, those who support the club and not individuals on obscene money who can't be bothered to put in a shift?

No, the toxic people who only remember and repeat the negatives when it comes to Rashford and completely have forgotten all the good things he contributed during his Time here.

Rashford obviously did a lot of things wrong around the end of his spell, no doubt about that. But i for one also remember all the good/positive emotions he gave me. I still like the lad, am glad that Carrick wants to work with him and hope that he will perform in such a way that this thread does not become a toxic massacre the whole season ;-)

 

[Berggy20913]

This is the thing. A lot of the abuse aimed at Rashford was way over the top.

I've made the point several times that people (on both sides) didn't acknowledge the vast middle ground.

I've seen hundreds of people call him in a PR merchant for meeting fans and then the following week call him a disgrace because he didn't spend enough time with a fan outside the ground.

One week, he didn't care then the next he "was crying for likes" after looking emotional post Cup final in 2024.

Loads of big United accounts on socials slating him for having a drink on holiday a couple of weeks ago but ignoring everyone else that does that.

His poor performances shouldn't be excused but let's have a bit of balance. I'd also maintain the club and various managers need to take some of the blame for how things ended up.

Nothing to do with performances. It's not his fault he didn't win the trophies past players who were granted the same status at this did because the club is a complete different clubs, but he shirked his responsibilities in terms of maintaining certain standards in terms of his effort and fight on the pitch when he had that badge on his chest. Bruno and Maguire for example were mired in the same dysfunction he was at this club, but it never affected their commitment on the pitch. I could care less how many drinks he had or how many sitters he missed.

One of the core principals at this club is you leave everything on the pitch when you have that shirt on, you fight for the badge and your teammates, and if you're one of the leading players, you have an obligation to do everything in your power to maintain those standards. Stop downplaying the egregiousness of betraying that obligation.

 

[Berggy20913]

No, the toxic people who only remember and repeat the negatives when it comes to Rashford and completely have forgotten all the good things he contributed during his Time here.

Rashford obviously did a lot of things wrong around the end of his spell, no doubt about that. But i for one also remember all the good/positive emotions he gave me. I still like the lad, am glad that Carrick wants to work with him and hope that he will perform in such a way that this thread does not become a toxic massacre the whole season ;-)

He didn't do a lot of things wrong. He did the one wrong thing that you simply do not do as one of the standard setters at this club. He'd have stayed at the club instead of going to Villa and Barca if it wasn't for that.

 

[Jeffthered]

I hope he starts against Milan.

 

[Swiss_Red89]

How many seasons has he shut you up?

Hm actually a good question. Let's have a look:

2015/2016: his break through Season-> positive memories

2016/2017: inconsistent second season but was a key performer at the end to help winning us the Europa League-> positive memories

2017/2018: again inconsistent but with very good moments such as his brace vs Liverpool. His performances secured him the Ticket on the England WC Plane-> positive Memories.

2018/2019: one of the first names on the teamsheet for Mourinho in the last few months. Afterwards a very good period under Solskjaer and the unforgetable winner vs PSG in the CL.-> positive memories.

2019/2020: his best season in red for me. Looked unplayable and on the verge to become absolute worldclass. Unfortunately was probably played a bit into the ground by Ole which led to his back injury in January 2019. After covid he ended the season quite positive with goals and assists --> positive memories.

2020/2021: stil alot of goals and assists, altough his allround game was very inconsistent and the term "moments player" really came into frame around that period. Played thorugh shoulder Injury though. Unfortunately poor in the EL Final loss and afterwards his Penalty Miss in the England-Italy Shootout --> mixed Memories

2021/2022: his first really poor season imo. Never really got going after coming back from Injury in October 2021 and completely lost his place under Rangnick.--> negative memories

2022/2023: his second best season in red. Scored over 30 goals in all competition and was the standout performer. That's why the club gave him the overblown contract afterwards--> positive memories.

2023/2024: expectations rightfully huge after the new contract. He wasn't able to back it up and grumbled a bit under the pressure. But I for one was also a little surprised how fast it went toxic around the fanbase, thought he earned himself a bit more credit. Workrate dropped around that season and he fell of the cliff a bit. Still contributed to the FA Cup run/medal.-->negative memories.

2024/2025: the less said the better. Completely looked desintrested and received a huge backlash from the fanbase. Thought he might turn a corner under Amorim at the beginnig only to be frozen out and leave the club in January 2025. -negative memories.

So out of 10 seasons I think 6 were positive (always taking context into consideration), one was mixed and 3 were negative.

Hardly the villain many see in him.

 

[quadrant]

If he can maintain his Barcelona form, he'll make a decent contribution to the team. I dont think there's any expectation for him to be in the first team this season, which makes his shortcomings easier to accept. We save him for games (or spells in games) when all you need is a pure attacker, and you can leave all the pressing, defending and tracking to one side. Trying to integrate Rashford in the first team over a season means working around his limitations. Trying to integrate Rashford onto the bench doesn't. With that more limited role, I'm hopeful he'll do well.

 

[Olecurls99]

Hm actually a good question. Let's have a look:

2015/2016: his break through Season-> positive memories

2016/2017: inconsistent second season but was a key performer at the end to help winning us the Europa League-> positive memories

2017/2018: again inconsistent but with very good moments such as his brace vs Liverpool. His performances secured him the Ticket on the England WC Plane-> positive Memories.

2018/2019: one of the first names on the teamsheet for Mourinho in the last few months. Afterwards a very good period under Solskjaer and the unforgetable winner vs PSG in the CL.-> positive memories.

2019/2020: his best season in red for me. Looked unplayable and on the verge to become absolute worldclass. Unfortunately was probably played a bit into the ground by Ole which led to his back injury in January 2019. After covid he ended the season quite positive with goals and assists --> positive memories.

2020/2021: stil alot of goals and assists, altough his allround game was very inconsistent and the term "moments player" really came into frame around that period. Played thorugh shoulder Injury though. Unfortunately poor in the EL Final loss and afterwards his Penalty Miss in the England-Italy Shootout --> mixed Memories

2021/2022: his first really poor season imo. Never really got going after coming back from Injury in October 2021 and completely lost his place under Rangnick.--> negative memories

2022/2023: his second best season in red. Scored over 30 goals in all competition and was the standout performer. That's why the club gave him the overblown contract afterwards--> positive memories.

2023/2024: expectations rightfully huge after the new contract. He wasn't able to back it up and grumbled a bit under the pressure. But I for one was also a little surprised how fast it went toxic around the fanbase, thought he earned himself a bit more credit. Workrate dropped around that season and he fell of the cliff a bit. Still contributed to the FA Cup run/medal.-->negative memories.

2024/2025: the less said the better. Completely looked desintrested and received a huge backlash from the fanbase. Thought he might turn a corner under Amorim at the beginnig only to be frozen out and leave the club in January 2025. -negative memories.

So out of 10 seasons I think 6 were positive (always taking context into consideration), one was mixed and 3 were negative.

Hardly the villain many see in him.

Strange that all the negative stuff comes right after the big contract

 

[DiceRoller]

So much noise in here.

Just wait and watch him.

He’s a United player so support him.

If he puts a shift in, great. If he doesn’t he’ll be benched soon enough.

 

[roseguy64]

In all honesty I think what frustrates about the issue is the gaslighting of pretending there’s never been an issue. No criticism has ever been justified. It’s just an affectation in our minds. There’s never been a doubt about his attitude, workrate or professionalism. Criticism of his performance and technical abilities are unfounded.

We’ll see it all over the shop this season too if he kicks a ball for us. In fact if all he does is kick a single ball, one time then we’ll be reading how that qualifies as a 7/10 performance and read how he’s maintained a 100% success rate in the ‘ball kicking attempts ‘ column. Anyone who noticed he moved like a 40 a day lorry driver will be posting too much about him and should explain themselves

You're seeing things that aren't true. I can see why the other poster said you need to take a break.

 

[Shark]

So much noise in here.

Just wait and watch him.

He’s a United player so support him.

If he puts a shift in, great. If he doesn’t he’ll be benched soon enough.

Wish it was as simple as that. Not at all worried about what goes on behind the scenes in terms of disruption? A dressing room which is finally looking so healthy after over a decade of prima donnas like Sancho and Di Maria.

 

[roseguy64]

Strange that all the negative stuff comes right after the big contract

He was on a big contract before that also, relatively speaking.

 

[Berggy20913]

So much noise in here.

Just wait and watch him.

He’s a United player so support him.

If he puts a shift in, great. If he doesn’t he’ll be benched soon enough.

Nobody wants to acknowledge how egregious it is that we have to wonder if he'll put in a shift.

 

[Swiss_Red89]

Wish it was as simple as that. Not at all worried about what goes on behind the scenes in terms of disruption? A dressing room which is finally looking so healthy after over a decade of prima donnas like Sancho and Di Maria.

Have we any evidence from the past that Rashford is a person to divide a dressing room? I cant see any...it's actually quite the opposite. All the stuff coming out from coaches and teammates he has played with points to the fact that he is a likeable lad who you want to have around in the dressing room.

Bruno for example has never said a negative word about him as a person or squad member and often commented on his Insta Account during last season.

I feel that he always was a player who needs a strong, positive dressing room with good, healthy characters in it. And we are definitely in a better place now on that front as we were when he left. He's also much more suited to a squad member role of such a group than being the main man/star player. So it could well be that we see him fluorish this season in this new environment/role he will face at the club.

 

[roseguy64]

Have we any evidence from the past that Rashford is a person to divide a dressing room? I cant see any...it's actually quite the opposite. All the stuff coming out from coaches and teammates he has played with points to the fact that he is a likeable lad who you want to have around in the dressing room.

Bruno for example has never said a negative word about him as a person or squad member and often commented on his Insta Account during last season.

I feel that he always was a player who needs a strong, positive dressing room with good, healthy characters in it. And we are definitely in a better place now on that front as we were when he left. He's also much more suited to a squad member role of such a group than being the main man/star player. So it could well be that we see him fluorish this season in this new environment/role he will face at the club.

Yes, that's one of his faults. He'll show up in big games and such but he's not a leader. So if the dressing room is rocky, he's not the kind of person who can rise above it and he'll sink.

He doesn't have the mentality of a Maguire or Bruno like that.

 

[Shark]

Have we any evidence from the past that Rashford is a person to divide a dressing room? I cant see any...it's actually quite the opposite. All the stuff coming out from coaches and teammates he has played with points to the fact that he is a likeable lad who you want to have around in the dressing room.

Bruno for example has never said a negative word about him as a person or squad member and often commented on his Insta Account during last season.

I feel that he always was a player who needs a strong dressing room with good, healthy characters in it. And we are definitely in a better place now on that front as we were when he left.

Maybe the fact that the United dressing room hasn't looked so happy and full of commitment to each other since, I don't even know fecking when. Not putting that solely down to Rashford, that would be very unfair, there's been so many rotten eggs to count, but it's no secret that two managers in a row at United questioned Rashford's attitude, commitment in training and lifestyle choices. Thinking those kind of accusations don't affect a dressing room, especially if it's a player who is on a higher wage then 90% of his teammates is very naive.

 

[Withnail]

In all honesty I think what frustrates about the issue is the gaslighting of pretending there’s never been an issue. No criticism has ever been justified. It’s just an affectation in our minds. There’s never been a doubt about his attitude, workrate or professionalism. Criticism of his performance and technical abilities are unfounded.

We’ll see it all over the shop this season too if he kicks a ball for us. In fact if all he does is kick a single ball, one time then we’ll be reading how that qualifies as a 7/10 performance and read how he’s maintained a 100% success rate in the ‘ball kicking attempts ‘ column. Anyone who noticed he moved like a 40 a day lorry driver will be posting too much about him and should explain themselves

Bro, come on.

You post about Rashford A LOT.

 

[lex talionis]

Wish it was as simple as that. Not at all worried about what goes on behind the scenes in terms of disruption? A dressing room which is finally looking so healthy after over a decade of prima donnas like Sancho and Di Maria.

There are two ways to deal with said disruption. We can either have Rashford train with the U23 for the remaining two years of his glorious contract, never to be seen a OT again. Or we can treat him as a valuable member of the squad and wait for him to commit his first transgression and when he does then he goes into exile with the U23 team.

If no club comes in for him, what else can the club do than to give him a chance to prove that his lack of gratitude for the riches, fame and glory that United have given him is a thing of the past?

 

[van Nistelrooy]

He didn't apologise, he won't apologise. So now what?

You don't buy or select players , your job is to support the club and that includes any player who puts on shirt

You are raising your blood pressure for feck all reasons

It's not my job at all. However, I support the club and those representing the club on the day. Doesn't mean I can't hold judgement on a player due to their previous behaviour.

Thanks for your concern, but my blood pressure is fine.

 

[DiceRoller]

I’m comfident

Wish it was as simple as that. Not at all worried about what goes on behind the scenes in terms of disruption? A dressing room which is finally looking so healthy after over a decade of prima donnas like Sancho and Di Maria.

It is as simple as that.

If he doesn’t perform he’ll be benched. If he’s disruptive he’ll be isolated.

This will have been discussed clearly between Carrick and the club in the event he’s disruptive.

 

[DiceRoller]

Nobody wants to acknowledge how egregious it is that we have to wonder if he'll put in a shift.

Cool, let’s acknowledge it.

Acknowledged.

Now let’s move on with focusing on what he actually does.

 

[caisenma]

yeah count me in for supporting the guy and wishing him the best. As long as he's ours, it's a new chapter. I agree there needs to be zero tolerance, so if anything comes up it needs to be dealt with immediately. I don't really like the idea of us salivating over the prospect of him of not showing enough effort. Carrick knows what he's doing

 

[bosnian_red]

Maybe the fact that the United dressing room hasn't looked so happy and full of commitment to each other since, I don't even know fecking when. Not putting that solely down to Rashford, that would be very unfair, there's been so many rotten eggs to count, but it's no secret that two managers in a row at United questioned Rashford's attitude, commitment in training and lifestyle choices. Thinking those kind of accusations don't affect a dressing room, especially if it's a player who is on a higher wage then 90% of his teammates is very naive.

I don't think there's any evidence that he was a problem in the dressing room though. In fact he has pretty openly been appreciated by his teammates both at Barca and the United players during his time away. Sometimes a manager just has a problem with a player, sometimes a player gets in a rut where he can't get out of it without leaving the situation... Who knows. But I don't think he was ever a guy that the dressing room disliked. He just got lazy on the pitch and probably lost motivation here after the many failures.

The main issue with Rashford are his wages, and why he will leave sooner or later. But while he is on his books, he might as well play, because he is a good player. He's just not a 300k p/w player. Cut the wages in half and I doubt the club would have looked to push him out

 

[Ole'sgunnarwin]

An on form Amad, Rashford and Bruno playing behind Mbuemo could be tasty. I know Cunha is a starter but I'm not sure he's quick enough to play out wide.

I'm far from a Rashford fan but it's a different environment he's coming into, different manager, I'm general different players. Maybe he has matured. Let's see how he starts out. For sure we need a versatile attacker, playing so many matches this season

 

[Berggy20913]

Cool, let’s acknowledge it.

Acknowledged.

Now let’s move on with focusing on what he actually does.

You mean what he does when he feels like it. I’ve said in this thread that these are the circumstances under which he actually does feel like it so I think he’ll actually perform this season, but I’m not going to paint him out to be this exiled victim returning in triumph.