Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain, but former Red Devils striker Louis Saha believes the 27-year-old can still succeed at Old Trafford—if he changes his mindset. Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, has shown flashes of his potential but has struggled to find consistency under United manager Ruben Amorim.
After falling out of favor at United, Rashford sought a new challenge during the January transfer window. His move to Aston Villa came after failed negotiations with clubs like Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund. Despite being primarily used as a substitute, Rashford has contributed three goals and three assists across the Premier League and FA Cup for Unai Emery’s side.
Saha insists that Rashford’s ability to thrive depends on his own motivation rather than external factors such as teammates or tactics. Speaking to BetMGM’s The LineUp, Saha said, “I think he can go back to Manchester United, but he needs to change his personality and mindset. He has proved on the pitch what a top player he is, but all of this ego stuff he has to get rid of—it’s as simple as that.”
Saha emphasized that Rashford must take responsibility for his performances rather than blaming others. “If you want to destroy defenses and help the team be successful, you have to do it in so many different ways. It’s not about his teammates or the manager; it’s about him. Until his attitude changes, we won’t see the real Marcus Rashford,” he added.
The former Everton striker expressed disappointment over Rashford’s departure from United but remains hopeful about his potential return. “He has no excuses. It’s not about people, tactics, or connections with the fans—it’s his job to adapt and find solutions. I genuinely believe he can succeed anywhere in the world if he decides to commit.”
While Saha critiques Rashford’s attitude, Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has praised the forward for his professionalism and work ethic. Emery noted that Rashford is thriving in a supportive environment at Villa Park. “He is a good guy—humble, a very good professional—and he is really happy with his teammates,” Emery said. “He is playing free and feels comfortable, which is the most important thing.”
Emery believes that connecting with Rashford on a personal level has been key to unlocking his potential. “We try to connect with him as a person first of all, and afterwards as a player,” he explained.
As Rashford continues to impress at Villa, questions remain about whether he will return to Manchester United next season or seek opportunities elsewhere. However, both Saha and Emery agree that Rashford’s future success will ultimately depend on his willingness to embrace change and adapt.