Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Marcus Rashford’s time at the club is effectively over after manager Ruben Amorim made a controversial remark regarding the player’s commitment.
Rashford, who hasn’t featured for United since December 12, has been consistently excluded from Amorim’s matchday squads. The only exception was one game, where the England international was left on the bench as an unused substitute.
When questioned about Rashford’s absence in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Fulham, Amorim delivered a sharp critique, highlighting the 27-year-old’s lack of effort in training. He went so far as to compare Rashford unfavorably to Jorge Vital, United’s 63-year-old goalkeeping coach.
“The reason is the training, what I believe a footballer should give in training, in life, and every single day,” Amorim stated. “I would select Vital before putting in a player who doesn’t give their maximum effort every day.”
Amorim’s blunt comments have drawn widespread attention, as the manager has become known for his fiery statements since taking charge in November.
Reacting to the situation on his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former United defender criticized Rashford for being in such a position.
“If I were the player the manager spoke about in that way… absolute embarrassment,” Ferdinand said. “We all have off days or periods where we’re not at our best, but effort? That’s not something I’d ever want a manager to question about me.
“That’s a damning comment, and Amorim knows exactly the ripple effect of saying that publicly. He’s not making that statement lightly. With that level of criticism, I just don’t see a way back for Marcus at United.”
Rashford himself admitted in December that he was ready to embrace “a new challenge,” but with just a week left in the January transfer window, his future remains uncertain.
European heavyweights such as Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan have reportedly expressed interest in the prolific forward, who boasts 138 goals in 426 appearances for Manchester United.
However, any potential transfer is complicated by Rashford’s lucrative contract, reportedly worth £300,000 per week ($374,000), which ties him to the club until 2028.
