Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has cast doubt on Marcus Rashford’s future at the club following a damning comment from manager Rúben Amorim. The Portuguese coach, who took charge in November, has openly criticized Rashford’s effort in training, sparking speculation about the England international’s position at Old Trafford.
Rashford has not featured for United since December 12, with Amorim excluding him from every matchday squad except one, where he remained an unused substitute. When questioned about Rashford’s omission from Sunday’s 1-0 win over Fulham, Amorim made a biting remark that highlighted his dissatisfaction with the forward’s work ethic.
“The reason is the training, what I think a footballer should do in training, in life, and every day,” Amorim stated. “I would put [goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital] in before I put a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.”
Amorim Comments On Rashford
“Lack Of Effort”
Is there a way back from this? #ManchesterUnited #Rashford #Amorim pic.twitter.com/FE3tVoW44M— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) January 27, 2025
This unflattering comparison to Vital, United’s 63-year-old goalkeeping coach, is the latest in a series of fiery statements from Amorim, whose no-nonsense approach has stirred controversy since his arrival.
Rio Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles and a Champions League during his 12-year career at Old Trafford, weighed in on the situation on his podcast, Rio Ferdinand Presents. He described the manager’s comments as potentially career-ending for Rashford at United.
“If I was the player the manager said that about… embarrassment,” Ferdinand remarked. “Effort isn’t something you ever want questioned. That’s a damning statement, and Amorim knows exactly what the fallout will be. There’s no way back for Marcus after that.”
Rashford, now 27, had expressed in December that he was “ready for a new challenge,” but with just days remaining in the January transfer window, his future remains uncertain. Clubs such as Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan have reportedly shown interest in signing the forward, who has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for United. However, his lucrative £300,000-a-week contract, which runs until 2028, complicates any potential move.
With Amorim showing no sign of softening his stance and Rashford seemingly out of favor, it remains to be seen whether the forward will secure a transfer or face a prolonged spell on the sidelines.
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