He will End up like Jesse Lingard if he continues like this. This is what he needs to do now to help him get back to top form. And he needs to start against Man City”-Fans are happy as Troy Deeney reveals a secret to Marcus Rashford which will help him get back to top form when he starts doing this.

Marcus Rashford: A Talent at a Crossroads
I want Marcus Rashford to succeed—to become the player we all know he can be. But right now, we’re witnessing a troubling decline, not just in his performances but in his attitude. Despite changes in management at Manchester United, the issues remain the same, and it begs the question: does Rashford even want this? Does he still want to play football at the highest level?

Football isn’t an easy life. From the outside, people see the money and the fame, but they don’t see the stresses and the background pressures that come with it. Rashford looks like someone who’s struggling to handle those pressures, and I can’t envision a scenario where he suddenly flips the switch, proves everyone wrong, and consistently delivers on his potential.

That thought genuinely saddens me, especially because I know how mentally taxing this situation must be for him.

Wasted Potential in His Peak Years
Rashford is 27—he’s in what should be the prime of his career. He has the physical attributes to be a modern winger or striker: pace, strength, and technical skill. But right now, he’s showing the appetite of someone nearing retirement. Compare his drive to Jamie Vardy at 37—it’s night and day.

He carries himself like he’s weighed down by the world. When things go wrong, the blame always seems to shift elsewhere, and his application on the pitch is uninspired. Yes, he still has flashes of brilliance. It wouldn’t shock me if he scored a winner against Manchester City this weekend, but the problem is those moments are fleeting. They’re not enough to sustain a career at the highest level.

A Culture of Rewarding Mediocrity
United have created this situation themselves. They’ve consistently rewarded subpar performances with massive, unjustified contracts. Rashford has become a symbol of the club’s inability to hold players accountable. He’s the academy’s golden boy, and instead of facing adversity head-on, he often appears to retreat into self-pity.

Every time a new manager comes in, there’s a brief resurgence—a “new Rashford” for a few games. Then the old patterns emerge: poor form, inconsistent effort, and eventually, benchings. We saw it again on Thursday night against Viktoria Plzen when Ruben Amorim subbed him off, visibly frustrated.

Amorim reportedly told Rashford he’d have full support but emphasized that improvement ultimately lies with the player. And that’s where the problem is—it’s on Rashford.

Excuses Don’t Hold Up
Some say the negative environment at United is to blame. But why doesn’t that excuse apply to Harry Maguire or Bruno Fernandes? Why isn’t Kobbie Mainoo, another academy product, acting out? Mainoo has good role models around him, and he’s hungry to improve.

At some point, Rashford needs to take responsibility. You can’t fake hard work, discipline, or passion. Without those, the results will always be hollow.

Future Options: Slim Pickings
Right now, Rashford is a shadow of his former self—a symbol of United’s past, kept around more out of fear of fan backlash than genuine contribution. But where could he even go?

Would Mikel Arteta risk Rashford disrupting the culture of professionalism he’s built at Arsenal? Unlikely. Chelsea’s young, energetic squad might have room for a player like him, but would they even want him? Would anyone in the Premier League pay his current wages, which reflect a player among the best in the league, despite him not being able to crack the starting XI of any top-six side?

The best advice for him might be to go abroad, but even then, it’s unclear if a fresh start would be enough to rekindle his motivation.

A Warning Unheeded
What’s most disheartening is that Rashford has had plenty of cautionary tales around him. Players like Jesse Lingard should serve as warnings of what happens when talent isn’t matched by effort and focus. Yet, Rashford seems blind to the signs.

Nobody wants Marcus Rashford to fail. His story—local lad, academy graduate, boyhood hero—should be one of triumph. But unless something changes drastically, his legacy risks being that of wasted potential. It’s time for him to reflect, take responsibility, and decide whether he’s willing to put in the work to save his career.

Marcus Rashford’s current struggles indeed paint a picture of a player at a crossroads. His situation raises important questions not just about his form but also about his mindset and ambition. Here’s a breakdown of the key concerns and potential solutions for the player and the club:

### **1. The Burden of Expectations**
Rashford’s rise from the Manchester United academy to becoming the face of the club has come with immense pressure. His success story, coupled with his off-field activism, has elevated him to a role that few can shoulder effortlessly. While this makes his decline particularly painful for fans to witness, it’s clear that the weight of expectations is affecting his performances.

### **2. Flashes of Brilliance vs. Consistency**
Rashford’s natural talent is undeniable. He has moments of brilliance that remind everyone why he was once considered a generational talent. However, these moments are now too infrequent. At 27, he should be in his prime, delivering consistent performances. Instead, his lack of urgency on the pitch and poor body language suggest deeper issues—either mental fatigue, dissatisfaction, or a loss of focus.

### **3. The Accountability Problem**
Manchester United’s culture of rewarding players despite poor performances has bred complacency. Rashford’s lucrative contract reflects his potential, not his current contribution. This lack of accountability isn’t unique to Rashford but is emblematic of the club’s broader issues. However, as a senior player, the responsibility to set an example weighs more heavily on him.

### **4. Comparisons to Others**
It’s valid to question why players like Bruno Fernandes or even Harry Maguire have managed to handle United’s chaos better than Rashford. Younger talents like Kobbie Mainoo are showing hunger and drive, traits that Rashford should exemplify as a senior player. If Mainoo thrives in the same environment, Rashford’s struggles seem more about personal application than external circumstances.

### **5. A Path Forward**
Rashford’s career doesn’t have to end in disappointment. To avoid becoming another Lingard-like tale of unfulfilled potential, he needs to make tangible changes:
– **Mental Reset:** A sports psychologist or mentor could help Rashford rediscover his focus and passion.
– **Fresh Environment:** While staying at United is an option, a move abroad—where the pressure is different—could give him a chance to reignite his career. The success of players like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham in other leagues shows how beneficial such a move can be.
– **Prove His Hunger:** Rashford needs to demonstrate effort and determination on the pitch consistently, whether in training or matches. Talent alone won’t be enough to earn his place in Amorim’s system.

### **6. A Cautionary Tale for United**
For Manchester United, Rashford’s situation is a stark reminder of how poor squad management can derail even the brightest talents. The club must foster an environment that rewards hard work and punishes complacency, ensuring young talents like Mainoo and Garnacho don’t follow a similar path.

### **Conclusion**
Rashford’s decline is deeply saddening, especially given his potential and connection to the club. However, the onus is on him to take control of his narrative. With the right mindset and support, there’s still time for him to turn things around. But the window to do so is closing fast. Rashford must decide whether he wants to be remembered as a legend of the game or as a player who fell short of greatness.