Rashford suggests Man United’s ‘inconsistent environment’ hindered his career progress

LONDON (BN24) — England forward Marcus Rashford has attributed a decline in his performance levels in recent seasons to what he described as an “inconsistent environment” at Manchester United, suggesting the club’s instability made it difficult for him to maintain top form.

The 27-year-old, currently on a season-long loan at FC Barcelona, has enjoyed a resurgence in Spain, scoring three goals and providing five assists in his first 10 appearances for the Catalan giants. His form has earned praise from England manager Thomas Tuchel, who included Rashford in his latest squad ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA qualifier against Latvia.

Speaking to ITV ahead of the match, Rashford responded to Tuchel’s assessment that consistency could be the key to unlocking his full potential.

“For sure, consistency is a massive part of it,” Rashford said. “I feel like I have been in an inconsistent environment for a very long time, so it is even more difficult to be consistent. I completely agree that consistency is what I need to bring into my game.”

Rashford, who made his senior debut under Louis van Gaal in 2016, has played under a carousel of managers at Old Trafford, including four permanent and three interim bosses, contributing to what he described as fluctuating expectations and instability in his development.

“When people talk about consistency, to be consistent in anything, not just sport, you need consistent variables in your life and the way you train,” Rashford said. “We’ve just had so many changes throughout my career.”

Rashford’s most productive period came under Ole Gunnar Solskjær and later Erik ten Hag. During the 2022–23 campaign, he scored a career-best 30 goals across all competitions and earned a lucrative £300,000-a-week contract. However, his form nosedived in the following season, producing just eight goals and five assists amid internal tensions and off-field issues.

Ten Hag dropped him for missing training after an incident in Belfast and later faced similar discipline under Ruben Amorim, who took over in early 2024. Amorim publicly criticized Rashford’s professionalism, suggesting the player needed to “change” and adhere to the standards expected at the club. Rashford was subsequently frozen out of the squad before being loaned out, first to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024–25 season and then to Barcelona.

At Villa, he registered four goals and six assists in 17 appearances, showing signs of returning to form. But it is in Barcelona where he has truly begun to reestablish himself. Despite a minor disciplinary issue last month being dropped by Hansi Flick for lateness, Rashford remains a key part of the Spanish side’s attack.

Barcelona officials, including sporting director Deco, have spoken positively about Rashford’s impact and echoed his sentiment regarding United’s unstable environment.

“He exploded very early, then he had great seasons at United,” Deco said. “But he also had years of more complicated management with changes of coaches, and perhaps he struggled too because they demanded a lot from him. But we’re happy with him, that’s the most important thing.”

While the loan agreement includes an option for Barcelona to make the move permanent, Deco emphasized that no final decision has been made.

“It’s too early to talk about next season. What matters is that we’re happy with him,” he said. “There’s a contract between the clubs, but it has to be discussed.”

For now, Rashford remains focused on the international stage and is intent on securing a place in Tuchel’s final England squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He said that consistency, both in form and environment, will be crucial as he looks to move past a turbulent chapter in his career.

“When I am at my best, I really enjoy everything about the sport,” Rashford added. “That’s what I’m trying to return to being at my best as often as possible.”