Date: 29 October 2025
Author: TRNDR Sport
Marcus Rashford has been told he must reset his mindset if he wants a genuine second act at Manchester United.
United legend Bryan Robson believes Rashford — currently impressing on loan at Barcelona — “lost his focus” at Old Trafford and will need a shift in attitude to win back a place under Rúben Amorim next season.
Rashford, 27, has found a spark in Spain with 5 goals and 7 assists in 13 appearances across all competitions under Hansi Flick. Barça also hold a £28m (approx. $36m) option to buy at the end of the season, though competition for wide roles from Raphinha and Lamine Yamal could complicate any permanent move.
“Marcus is a great talent, but his attitude has got to change if he comes back to United,” Robson said in comments to Grosvenor Casinos. “People say he’s enjoying his football elsewhere — that seems crazy to me when you’re talking about Manchester United.”
Robson’s view was echoed — and sharpened — by fellow club legend Paul Scholes, who questioned Rashford’s application toward the end of his United spell, warning that lapses in professionalism “won’t fly” at Barcelona either.
United, meanwhile, are gathering momentum without their academy graduate. Amorim’s side have stitched together three straight Premier League wins — over Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton — to climb into the European spots. Next up is a trip to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Big picture
- Form vs. fit: Rashford’s output in La Liga is up, but United’s structure under Amorim is tightening without him. A return only works if the player buys into the manager’s pressing and discipline.
- Barcelona decision: An affordable purchase clause gives Barça leverage, but squad depth on the flanks may make Rashford more luxury than necessity.
- United’s stance: With results trending up, Amorim holds the cards. Any reunion likely hinges on Rashford aligning with the standards the new regime is enforcing.
What to watch
- Whether Barcelona activate the option — and if not, how United position Rashford amid a humming front line.
- Rashford’s consistency off the ball and off the pitch; both will define how top coaches assess him in 2026.
