Barcelona loanee Marcus Rashford has criticised his parent club, Manchester United, claiming they have lost their principles and become “too reactionary” since Sir Alex Ferguson left Old Trafford.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the England international said United’s constant change of managers has disrupted the club’s identity, unlike during Ferguson’s era when a clear philosophy guided both the first team and academy.
Rashford, a United academy graduate, argued that sustained success requires sticking to established principles so that any new coach or player aligns with them. He said United’s shifting approach has hurt their chances of winning the league.
“When Ferguson was in charge, not only were there principles for the first team but they were for the whole academy. So you could pick players from 15 years and they’d all understand the principles of playing the Manchester United way,” he said.
“Any team that has been successful over a period of time has principles that mean that any coach or player that comes in has to align to or add to the principles.
“At times, United were hungry to win, but it was reactionary. If your direction is always changing, you can’t expect to win the league.”
Barcelona, where Rashford is on loan for the season, have the option to sign him permanently next summer.
