Rashford: No Clear Principles And Frequently Changing Coaches Are The Reason Manchester United Drops

Marcus Rashford revealed the reason for Manchester United's failed achievements (Instagram/@marcusrashford).

JAKARTA - Marcus Rashford said that Manchester United's strategy since Sir Alex Ferguson retired was reactionary and sometimes put the team on 'no man's land'.

The Red Devils have appointed seven permanent managers since Ferguson resigned in 2013. The latest is signing Ruben Amorim in November 2024 to replace Erik ten Hag.

Rashford - who has been at Manchester United since the age of seven - signed the club in January 2024/2025, moved to Aston Villa on loan.

This summer he joined La Liga champions Barcelona on loan for a season.

"When Ferguson leads, there are not only principles for the first team, but also for the whole academy."

"So you can choose players from 15 years, even a generation, and they will all understand the principle of playing in the style of Manchester United," Rashford told the Rest is Football podcast.

Rashford did not appear in Manchester United's senior team during Ferguson's lead, but he graduated from the club's academy under him.

Manchester United had their worst Premier League season in the 2024/2025 season, finished 15th, and struggled to achieve sustainable success since Ferguson coached the club.

Rashford said he believed the routine change of managers at the club kept them trapped on "no man's land".

"People say we've been in a transition for years. To be in transition, you have to start a transition. So, a transition that hasn't actually started yet."

"You see in any team that has been successful over a certain period of time - they have principles that must be aligned by any coach who comes, any player who comes, with these principles or can be added to these principles."

"While sometimes I feel like Manchester United are just hungry to win. So, we will always try to adapt and recruit players who fit this system. However, that's a reactioner," said Rashford again.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been Manchester United's manager with the longest term since Ferguson. He led for three years.

The Red Devils have not won a league title since Ferguson stepped down at the end of the 2012/2013 season.

"If your direction always changes, you can't hope to win the league. Yes, you may win several tournaments, but that's because you have a good coach and you have good players, you have the winner of the game in your team. You weren't there by chance."

"I feel we have so many different managers and different ideas and strategies to win. You end up in the middle, you end up in no man's territory," Rashford said.

Rashford further agrees that he is struggling with Manchester United without the principle.

He compared Liverpool who remained loyal to Jurgen Klopp at the start of his career at the club. The German then won Liverpool's first league title in 30 years and their sixth Champions League.

"Yes, 100 (difficult and detrimental). Not only as a player, but also as a Manchester United fan."

"So when Liverpool get past this (transitional period), they get Klopp, they stay loyal to him. They don't win at the start. That's right. Did you know what I mean?"

"People just remember his last years when he competed with (Manchester) City and won the biggest trophies. He obviously didn't win for three years."

"So, like starting a transition, you have to make plans and obey them. So, this is how I feel. It's not easy. If it doesn't go well, the fans will sue," said Rashford.