‘You Need a Plan to Stick to!’ - Marcus Rashford Explains Man United’s Constant Struggles Since 2014

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona, has given a frank assessment of the club’s struggles to win the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, claiming that the much-talked-about “transition” period never actually began.

Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, Rashford, who recently joined Barcelona on loan from his boyhood club, said the key reason for the lack of league success is that United have not had a cohesive, long-term plan. 

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“People say we’ve been in transition for years, but to be in transition, you actually have to start it. The transition itself hasn’t even begun yet,” he said.

 “When Liverpool went through it, they brought in Jürgen Klopp and trusted him. They didn’t win anything initially. 

“People only remember his last few years, competing with Manchester City and winning major trophies. 

“To start a transition, you need a plan and stick to it. I’m talking about being realistic about your situation. We’ve had so many different managers, ideas, and strategies for winning that we’ve ended up in no man’s land.”

Rashford highlighted the consistency of approach under Ferguson, noting that principles were embedded throughout the club, from the academy to the first team. 

“When Fergie was in charge, not just the first-team principles, but the entire academy was set up so you could pick players from 15 and up – that’s a whole generation. 

“And they all understood the principles of playing for Manchester United, right? You see it with every team that’s been successful over a period of time – they have principles that every manager who comes in, every player who comes in, has to adhere to.”

He argued that United’s current recruitment and tactical approach are too reactive, lacking the stability required for sustained league success. 

“At United, there’s a hunger to win, and we always try to adapt and sign players who fit that system, but it’s reactionary,” Rashford explained.

 “If your direction is constantly changing, you can’t expect to win the league. You might win some cup competitions, but that’s because you have a good manager and good players.”

United last lifted the Premier League trophy in the 2012–13 season, Ferguson’s final campaign in charge. Since then, the club has seen multiple managerial changes and has won several domestic cups and the Europa League, but has not mounted a consistent league title challenge.

Rashford is part of a number of players that have been sacrificed as current manager Ruben Amorim continues moulding a team in his own image.