Best Player In The Worst Era | Marcus Rashford Deserves A Break

Marcus Rashford is LEAVING!

Following the official announcement that Matheus Cunha will henceforth wear the No.10 shirt at Manchester United, it confirms the inevitable permanent departure of Marcus Rashford from the club.

Rashford, who has been with Manchester United since his promotion to the first team under Louis van Gaal in late 2015, has endured a difficult time in recent years, highlighted by criticism and poor performances, which led to his temporary departure to Aston Villa in January.

Despite his good six-month stint with the Villains, the club decided against activating the £40 million buy option in the loan agreement, and Rashford was forced to return to Old Trafford, although he knew there was no home again.

In over nine years playing for the club, the 27-year-old was at the heart of their triumphs. From the Europa League title as a teenager in his first season in 2016 to the Emirates FA Cup in 2024, Rashford’s contributions were decisive.

His 426 appearances place him in the top 20 for most games played in the shirt of the Red Devils, while his 138 goals are only bettered by 12 players in the history of the club, out of which only three have scored more in the 21st century.

Marcus Rashford Deserves A Break

Marcus Rashford’s impending exit from Manchester United this summer will draw the curtain on a bittersweet era, not just for him, but for a club that has lost its way.

He wasn’t just another academy graduate but as well a symbol of hope in a time when hope was hard to come by. From the era of Van Gaal to Ten Hag, through chaos and constant rebuilds, the Mancunian golden boy stood tall.

He delivered crucial goals in key moments, and displayed loyalty when he could have jumped ships. Rashford, often being the spark of an otherwise lifeless side. But no player, no matter how gifted or devoted, can thrive forever in dysfunction.

Criticism came fast when form dipped, but few acknowledged the burden he carried. He was the face of a faltering giant, expected to shine through uncertainty. Now, after years of carrying more than his share, he is set to walk away.

As he continues to grow in the colors of The Red Devils, Rashford seems to receive less appreciation for his sacrifices for the team. Although he hasn’t been perfect, he deserves some understanding in an environment that has been quite demanding.

He hasn’t officially left the club yet, but his shirt number has already been assigned to another player. With three years remaining on his contract, the willingness of both parties to part ways is evident and will be crucial in attracting potential suitors.

Surely he deserves more than what United became, and made of him. And maybe, just maybe, in new colours, we’ll again be reminded of the brilliance that once felt destined for greatness, just as we saw him for United a few seasons back, and at Villa earlier in the year.

His imminent departure shouldn’t be viewed negatively, but rather as a deserved break, an opportunity to revive a career that had stalled in his final months at Manchester United, before being briefly reignited by his loan move to Aston Villa at the turn of the year.

Potential Destination For Marcus Rashford

Reports that the England international has been offered to Barcelona appear to be here to stay. The Blaugrana’s failure to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Club put them in a situation of need.

Although the club would prefer to sign Liverpool’s Luis Diaz as their alternative to Nico, the situation at Liverpool following tragic passing of Diogo Jota means the exit door is closed on the Colombian, with Darwin Nunez set to be let off.

Marcus Rashford is considered a plan B should Diaz not work out, even before the Jota incident. He was on the club’s radar in January before moving to Aston Villa, where his good performance will again make him a lucrative signing for any club.

Clubs in England will also be interested in a move, although striking an agreement with the Red Devils could prove too much for many of them. But one thing is certain, Rashford will play elsewhere next season.

The good news for the Mancunians is that a host of top teams are in need of left-wing forwards. Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, and plenty others. It remains to be seen where Rashford will play next season.

Kehinde-Hassan Afolabi