From the dizzying heights of a dream debut to the crushing low of a loan exile, Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United story has been nothing short of a whirlwind. The homegrown star who once carried the hopes of a club and country now finds himself cast out, searching for a fresh start. But how did it come to this for Rashford? How did the golden boy who could do no wrong suddenly lose his sheen?
The Fairytale Beginning
Rewind to February 2016. An 18-year-old Rashford is thrust into the starting lineup against Midtjylland after an injury to star striker Anthony Martial. What happened next would go down in United folklore. Two goals in 12 minutes to turn the tie on its head and send Old Trafford into raptures. And he was just getting started.
Three days later, Rashford made his Premier League bow against Arsenal. Another brace, another assist, another United victory. The pace, the finishing, the unadulterated joy – a star was undoubtedly born. That storybook start kicked off a scintillating debut season, as Rashford fired United to FA Cup and Europa League glory.
The Rise of Rashford
Over the next few campaigns, Rashford solidified his status as United’s present and future. Breathtaking solo goals became his trademark, with victims including Liverpool and Manchester City, and he surpassed George Best as the youngest scorer in the Manchester derby. The accolades followed – multiple Player of the Month awards and a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
Marcus has what it takes to become a Manchester United legend. He can go as far as he wants to go in the game.
– Michael Carrick, former Manchester United midfielder and coach
His rise wasn’t confined to the domestic stage either. Rashford marked his England debut with a goal after just three minutes against Australia. At the 2018 World Cup, he displayed nerves of steel as he scored in the Three Lions’ historic penalty shootout win over Colombia. By 2019, he had already racked up over a century of goals for club and country.
Rashford the Role Model
Yet it was off the pitch that Rashford truly came into his own. Harnessing his platform for good, he tirelessly campaigned to end child food poverty in Britain. Rashford’s open letter to MPs helped overturn a government decision and restored free school meals for underprivileged kids. His activism earned him an MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire.
Rashford’s actions will have helped some of the most vulnerable in society at a vital time.
– Keir Starmer, UK Leader of the Opposition
On the field, the 2022/23 season saw Rashford reach new heights. He hit the 30-goal mark for the first time, spearheading United to a third-place Premier League finish and Carabao Cup triumph. At the Qatar World Cup in the middle of the season, he top scored for England with three goals. The future seemed brighter than ever.
The Turning of the Tide
But storm clouds were gathering. A spate of disciplinary issues saw Rashford fall out of favor with manager Erik ten Hag. Missing training sessions, nightclub visits ahead of matchdays – the transgressions began to mount. When Rashford was spotted partying after a derby humiliation, his card appeared marked.
The arrival of Ruben Amorim in the dugout sounded a death knell for Rashford. Despite scoring in his first two appearances under the Portuguese boss, he was soon frozen out entirely. A month passed, then two, without a single minute of action for the once undroppable forward. Speculation swirled of a permanent exit.
An Unthinkable Departure
And so it came to pass. In February 2025, with his face no longer fitting at Old Trafford, Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan until season’s end. An unfathomable fall from grace for a player who once had the world at his feet. From United’s crown jewel to unwanted outcast, all in the space of 18 months.
Now, as he dons the claret and blue, Rashford faces the task of resurrecting a career that promised so much. Can he recapture the magic that once made him unplayable? Will he ever don the famous red again? Only time will tell. But one thing is for certain – the football world will be watching with bated breath.
- A dream debut: Two goals to down Midtjylland
- Making his mark: Starring in FA Cup, Europa League wins
- Derby delight: Becoming the youngest Manchester derby scorer
- National hero: Scoring in England’s shootout win at the 2018 World Cup
- Rashford the Campaigner: Using his voice to end child hunger
- Joining the 30-goal club: Rashford’s most prolific season in 2022/23
- Disciplinary woes: Clashes with Ten Hag signal beginning of the end
- A stunning exit: Joining Villa on loan after Amorim freeze out
