After Amorim’s Departure: The Future of Rashford and Manchester United

omidbasir- The managerial upheaval at Old Trafford on Monday has reverberated throughout the Premier League as Ruben Amorim was dismissed after merely 14 months in charge.

Amorim’s exit, prompted by a breakdown in relations with the club’s hierarchy and his unwillingness to adjust his tactical approach, has sparked immediate speculation regarding the futures of several prominent players, notably Marcus Rashford, who is currently on a season-long loan at Barcelona.

Rashford’s relationship with Amorim deteriorated swiftly last season, leading to an initial loan move to Aston Villa in February 2025 before he made his way to Barcelona during the summer. With Amorim no longer at the helm, former United midfielder Owen Hargreaves believes it is time for Rashford to make a sensational return to Manchester.

In a discussion with TNT Sports following the announcement of Amorim’s dismissal, Hargreaves passionately defended the 28-year-old, asserting that Rashford’s talent is irrefutable and that he had become a scapegoat for broader issues within the club.

“I hope Marcus returns because he’s a special player,” Hargreaves stated, addressing the ongoing speculation over Rashford’s future. “I’m unsure about the dynamics between Marcus and Ruben, but his talent cannot be denied.”

Hargreaves emphasized that the situation was not solely a clash of personalities but a failure of the club to support its academy graduate adequately. He suggested that Rashford was unfairly burdened with expectations during a tumultuous transition period, a pressure that ultimately led to his decline under the previous management.

“Marcus should not have been placed in a position where he had to shoulder all the responsibility,” Hargreaves elaborated. “In our team, he would have been the third or fourth option, alleviating much of that pressure.”

The former England international pointed to a lack of senior leadership within the squad as a significant factor contributing to Rashford’s struggles under Amorim. He argued that over-reliance on youth left Rashford isolated as the primary figurehead without ample support surrounding him.

“There was too much expectation on these young players to assume the lead roles, which should never be the case at just 20 years old. They needed a more experienced striker, aged 26 to 28, to guide them,” Hargreaves noted. “I believe Marcus is an exceptional talent, and the club could greatly benefit from his presence.”

While the future of Rashford remains a pressing topic, Hargreaves also expressed surprise at the timing of Amorim’s dismissal. The Portuguese coach had left the club in sixth place, within striking distance of the Champions League spots, but a public outburst following a draw against Leeds United seemed to seal his fate.

“I was taken aback, as I believe many were, by the decision to sack Amorim,” Hargreaves remarked. “Although United weren’t excelling, they were still in a realistic position to finish in the top four or five.”

Hargreaves drew parallels to other recent high-profile managerial dismissals, suggesting that the intense pressure of modern football management fosters a volatile environment across Europe’s elite leagues. He specifically referenced the situation at Chelsea, where Enzo Maresca was also recently dismissed, indicating that a broader managerial reshuffle may be on the horizon.

“While the timing of this decision was unexpected, other underlying issues may have contributed, as seen with Chelsea and Enzo Maresca recently,” he added. “This situation could influence United and potentially lead to numerous managerial changes in the coming weeks.”

Rashford has demonstrated a resurgence in form during his time in Spain, accumulating 15 goal contributions in 25 appearances for Hansi Flick’s side. Barcelona reportedly holds an option to make the move permanent for approximately €40 million, but financial complexities and Rashford’s high wages have cast uncertainty over the potential deal.

With Amorim now a part of the club’s history, the focus shifts to interim manager Darren Fletcher. The next permanent manager will face critical decisions, particularly as Barcelona aims to finalize Rashford’s signing while Manchester United looks to facilitate his return to Old Trafford.