Marcus Rashford criticized by former MU staff member

A longtime former employee of Manchester United unexpectedly spoke out about the attitude and behavior of the English striker during his final years at Old Trafford.

Specifically, Rod Thornley, who worked for 19 years at Man United as the first team massage therapist, made candid remarks about Rashford on The Busby Way Podcast. According to Thornley, the 1997-born forward “has changed” and gradually became unhappy at the club where he grew up.

“I will be frank, I don’t mind, I know Marcus, and if he’s unhappy with what I say, I don’t care,” he shared on The Busby Way Podcast.

“He became unhappy. He turned into a different person. I witnessed a player who was once a cheerful, lovely boy now becoming gloomy, especially at the club. Outside the club, I occasionally see him, and he’s quite fine, but within the club, his attitude isn’t very good.”- Thornley said on the podcast.

Rashford was once a symbol of Man United’s youth academy resurgence. After a dream debut in February 2016 with a brace, he quickly secured a starting spot and became a key offensive player. Over 400 appearances for the Red Devils prove his irreplaceable status over many seasons.

However, things began to change when Rashford failed to find common ground with coach Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese strategist openly emphasized daily training and discipline as reasons for not favoring the 28-year-old striker. Differences in professional views are considered the main cause for Rashford’s loan departure from Old Trafford.

According to Thornley, the issue wasn’t just tactical. He believes Rashford lost the image of an energetic and passionate player. “I once saw a happy, likable boy. But then he became withdrawn at the club. That gradually affected his performance on the pitch, where you no longer see the energy like before,”Thornley shared.

These statements have reignited debates about Rashford’s playing attitude, especially as he currently plays for Barcelona on a one-season loan deal. At the Catalan club, the English striker has somewhat regained form with 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances, demonstrating his lasting quality.

Nevertheless, the biggest question remains Rashford’s long-term future. Some sources in England suggest that if Manchester United’s new coaching staff improves, the door to return to Old Trafford is not completely closed. However, at present, Rashford is said to be content with life and football environment in Spain.