Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has stirred conversation with a candid assessment of Marcus Rashford’s situation at Old Trafford. In a recent interview, the former United winger — who was part of the coaching staff when Rashford first burst onto the scene — expressed doubts about the striker’s future with the Red Devils. In fact, Giggs went as far as to suggest that Rashford might be better off continuing his career elsewhere.
A Bright Start at Manchester United That Dimmed Over Time
Rashford made an explosive debut for Manchester United in 2015, immediately making headlines with his pace, directness, and eye for goal. At the time, he was widely seen as the next big homegrown star to carry United forward. Under the management of Louis van Gaal, the young striker quickly cemented his place in the first team and became a fan favorite.
Hоwеvеr, the last fеw seasons have been fаr frоm ѕmооth fоr thе England international. A dip in form, injuries, and managerial changes have all contributed to his decline in consistency and influence on the pitch. Rаѕhfоrd оftеn found hіmѕеlf оut оf favor under thе current rеgіmе, ѕtrugglіng tо rерlісаtе the ѕhаrрnеѕѕ and еnеrgу that оnсе dеfіnеd his gаmе.
A Fresh Start at Villa Park
Seeking regular playing time and a chance to rediscover his form, Rashford was loaned out to Aston Villa in the January transfer window. Since joining Unai Emery’s side, the 27-year-old has shown glimpses of the player he used to be — and perhaps even more.
In just 17 appearances for Villa, Rashford has already notched four goals and provided six assists, becoming a vital part of the team’s Champions League push. His movement, confidence, and sharpness have all returned, and there’s a renewed spark in his performances — something that had been missing during his last couple of years in Manchester.
“He Looks Happier Now” – Giggs on Rashford’s Revival
Ryan Giggs, speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents, admitted that Rashford’s body language and overall demeanor suggest he’s in a far better place emotionally and mentally at Villa.
“I juѕt dоn’t thіnk hе looked hарру at Manchester Unіtеd,” Giggs ѕаіd. “But nоw, wаtсhіng hіm at Vіllа, hе lооkѕ lіkе hе’ѕ еnjоуіng hіѕ fооtbаll аgаіn. And that’s sad to see, because I was there when he made his debut — we believed in him. He was special.”
Giggs, who worked closely with Louis van Gaal during Rashford’s promotion from the youth ranks. It reminisced about the first time they noticed Rashford’s talent.
“I remember walking out to watch the reserves, and Rashford was playing in a small-sided game,” he recalled. “He wasn’t someone we had focused on much at that point — just another academy lad. But suddenly, goal after goal, he lit up the pitch. Louis turned to me and said, ‘Get him training with the first team.’ That was the moment everything changed.”
Time for a New Chapter by Stepping From Manchester United?
Despite his resurgence at Aston Villa, Rashford remains under contract with Manchester United until 2028. However, with his recent form and the visible change in his demeanor. The Discussions about his long-term future are expected to take center stage this summer. Reports indicate that Rashford and his representatives are set to meet with United officials in mid-June to evaluate his options going forward.
For Giggs, a permanent move away from Old Trafford might be the best outcome for all involved.
“He’s still a top-quality player — that hasn’t changed,” Giggs said. “But maybe he needs a new environment where he can play with that same freedom and joy we’re seeing at Villa. Sometimes, parting ways is what allows both player and club to grow. Marcus can be a star elsewhere, even if it’s not at United.”
What Comes Next?
At 27, Rashford is entering the prime years of his career. His performances for Aston Villa suggest he still has plenty to offer at the top level. Whether he stays with the Birmingham-based club, returns to United, or finds a new challenge altogether, one thing is clear — the player is far from finished.
For Manchester United, the situation also raises important questions about how the club supports and develops its homegrown talents, especially during challenging phases of their careers.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Rashford’s future will be one of the key storylines to watch. And Giggs’ words may prove prophetic if a permanent exit does become reality.
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