'Transition hasn't started' - Rashford says Man Utd in 'no man's land'

 'Transition hasn't started' - Rashford says Man Utd in 'no man's land'

Marcus Rashford has criticised Manchester United’s current state, claiming the club’s so-called “transition” has not yet begun. Speaking to Gary Lineker on The Rest is Football podcast, the forward, now on loan at Barcelona for the 2025-26 season, said United have had too many managerial changes, ideas, and strategies, which has left them “in no man’s land.” Rashford joined Barcelona after being deemed surplus to requirements by manager Ruben Amorim.

He compared United’s situation to Liverpool’s rebuild under Jurgen Klopp, noting that Liverpool appointed a manager, stuck with him, and built a long-term plan even without immediate success. Rashford argued that a genuine transition requires a clear vision and consistency, something he believes United have lacked for years.

The 27-year-old stressed that while people say the club has been in transition for years, the reality is that no real process has been implemented. The constant change in approach has prevented them from moving forward. Rashford also spoke as a lifelong fan of the club, saying it hurts to see United struggling both on and off the pitch. His comments reflect growing frustration among supporters about the team’s direction since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013.

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Rashford’s remarks come after a turbulent period for Manchester United, with the club failing to mount a serious Premier League title challenge in over a decade. Multiple managerial appointments  from David Moyes and Louis van Gaal to Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Erik ten Hag, and now Ruben Amorim  have not produced sustained success. While the club has spent heavily on transfers, results on the pitch have been inconsistent, and there has been no clear footballing identity.

The forward pointed out that during Liverpool’s own struggles, the club had a long-term strategy under Klopp, which eventually brought Premier League and Champions League glory. United, in contrast, have tried different short-term fixes without committing to a unified vision. Rashford’s “no man’s land” comment highlights his view that the team is stuck between past glory and an unclear future.

Despite leaving for Barcelona, Rashford expressed his emotional connection to United, calling it “100 per cent” painful to watch their decline. His move to Spain could give him a fresh start, but his frank assessment adds to the pressure on Amorim and the United hierarchy to define a sustainable plan. The comments will likely resonate with frustrated fans hoping for a genuine rebuild.