Marcus Rashford’s attitude, character and mentality were all questioned during his final seasons as a Manchester United player.
It seems more and more likely that Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United this summer after being denied of a move to Barcelona.
Barcelona refused to trigger the £26 million buy option in Marcus Rashford’s loan deal. Now he is at the 2026 World Cup with the England squad, he is prepared to rejoin United’s pre-season training once his tournament concludes.
In his final season at United, Ruben Amorim questioned Rashford’s character and reports suggested he had a poor attitude in training. However, he is showing signs of growth and maturity in this England squad.
Is this a little harsh on Marcus Rashford? Do you feel the same way?
Marcus Rashford has refused all excuses while playing for England
Rashford’s body language was a big talking point in his final season at United, with fans furious at his poor work rate and refusal to track back.
With England preparing to face Mexico in the World Cup at the Azteca Stadium, conversation has been focused on the stadium’s altitude – 7,220 feet above sea level.
England players are not acclimatised to such heights, so players will have to dig deep and may tire faster.
If there were any concerns about Rashford’s work rate, his spot in the squad would be up for debate.
But interestingly, Rashford is refusing to use the altitude as an excuse for this England squad.
Speaking to BBC Sport he said: “You make too much of everything.
“In the end, it’s a game of football. We’ve all been playing football since we were kids and we’ve played in different environments and atmospheres, some easier than others, some terrible to play in and disgusting.
“But it’s up to us to find a way to come out on top, and that’s what the focus is.
“Sometimes you need the player next to you and the player next to him. We have to work together as a unit to be as close to our best as possible.”
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Marcus Rashford can grow into a leader at Man United
Rashford was always viewed as the exciting Carrington graduate at United, full of explosive potential.
Now that he has been away at Aston Villa and Barcelona, he returns as a 28-year-old with title-winning experience.
This current United squad has lost a big voice and leader in the shape of Casemiro, and replacing that is priceless.
Bruno Fernandes and Harry Maguire are still vocal leaders in the squad, but United will need more voices and experience to help what is largely a very young and inexperienced dressing room.
If Rashford does return to United, he can grow into a leader and a key player in this squad. His mentality with England shows he is more than capable.
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