Marcus Rashford is facing a big summer with his future up in the air.
The Manchester United loanee has impressed since joining Aston Villa on a temporary deal until the end of the season. Still, many expect that his future lies away from Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford moved to Villa after being frozen out of the United first-team squad by Ruben Amorim, who made up his mind about the player shortly after becoming head coach.
After scoring in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to Man City, Rashford has made 10 goal contributions in 17 matches under Unai Emery. The Villa boss is happy with Rashford’s output as he has taken Ollie Watkins’ place in the team.
Villa have a £40m option as part of Rashford’s loan, but there remains a lot of moving parts to consider.
Rashford wants Champions League football next season and is not keen on a move to London, but his contract at Old Trafford runs until 2028.
It is understood that Rashford wants to sign for Barcelona or PSG in the summer.
Ryan Giggs verdict on Marcus Rashford future
With the uncertainty around Rashford continuing to grow, questions will inevitably be asked about what is next for the United forward.
The England international will unlikely play for United again under Amorim, but Rashford won’t be rushed into deciding his future.
United legend Ryan Giggs admits he can’t see a future for Rashford at the club following his loan move to Villa.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, the former United midfielder spoke about Rashford’s prospects of returning to United.
“No. I don’t think he looked happy at United,” said Giggs, who was Louis van Gaal’s assistant manager when Rashford made his professional debut.
“I think he looks happier now. I just don’t. Which is a shame because obviously I’d seen him as a part of the staff when we’d given him his debut.”
Giggs didn’t mince his words when it came to Rashford’s performances on the pitch, with his work ethic coming under questioning.
“I talked about no matter what position on the pitch you are, you sprint back as quick as you sprint forward, and aesthetically, it didn’t look great. Especially if the team ain’t doing well.”
It has been argued for a long time that Rashford didn’t look happy at United, especially towards the end of Erik ten Hag’s reign as manager, with his dour demeanour on the pitch.
Manchester United fans won’t forgive Rashford
Few things anger football fans as much as seeing a talented player not carrying their weight.
That was the case for Rashford at United over the past two years, but Giggs has highlighted the importance of effort over skills.
The former Wales manager added: “Because fans will forgive you for missing a chance. They won’t forgive you for not working hard enough.
“They just won’t. Because they can do that. They can sprint. Everyone can.
“But then also, what I talked about, you know that can play up there. He’s done it everywhere. He’s done it on the biggest stage. It’s hard from looking outside to in. But it looked like he’s not enjoying it.
“And you’ve got to enjoy it. Especially flare players, attacking players. Because that’s your best moments. When your confidence is high, you’re trying things. Don’t always come off. But play instinctively and play like you did when you were younger. Freedom.”
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