In a week of seismic shifts at Old Trafford, the “Ruben Amorim era” has come to a sudden and turbulent end. While the club settles into life under interim manager Darren Fletcher, the most shocking story isn’t who left—it’s who is coming back.
Multiple reports have confirmed that Marcus Rashford, who spent the first half of the 2025/26 season on loan at Barcelona, is set to return to Manchester United next week. His return follows a breakdown in his relationship with Amorim that saw him frozen out of the squad before his summer exit.
“This Is My Home”: Rashford Breaks His Silence
Rashford’s departure last summer sent shockwaves through the fan base. Once the poster boy for the United academy, his form dipped significantly under Amorim’s rigid tactical system, leading to a high-profile “falling out” that ultimately saw him head to the Nou Camp.
Speaking to close associates following Amorim’s dismissal on January 5, 2026, Rashford didn’t hold back about his experience under the Portuguese coach:
> “I was treated badly by Amorim before I left. It felt like my contributions to this club were forgotten overnight. But now that he is gone, I’m willing to return to Old Trafford. This is my home, and there’s no way I’ll run away from home when the club needs me.”
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The “Amorim Effect”: A Trail of Friction
Rashford wasn’t the only casualty of Amorim’s 14-month tenure. The manager’s departure has pulled back the curtain on a dressing room that was reportedly nearing a breaking point.
* Alejandro Garnacho: Sold to Chelsea in the summer of 2025 after being relegated to the “bomb squad,” Garnacho made his feelings known this week by “liking” the official announcement of Amorim’s sacking.
* The Academy Stars: Tensions boiled over in late 2025 when Amorim publicly criticized youngsters like Harry Amass and Chido Obi, claiming they were “struggling” and not ready for the first team—comments that reportedly “fumed” United’s hierarchy.
* Rasmus Hojlund: Currently on loan at Napoli, Hojlund is another name rumored to be eyeing a return now that the tactical philosophy at Carrington is set for another overhaul.
What Happens Next?
With Manchester United currently sitting 6th in the Premier League and looking for a spark to save their season, Rashford’s return could be the boost they need. Having found his scoring touch again in Spain—netting 7 goals and providing 11 assists for Hansi Flick’s Barcelona—he returns as a player with renewed confidence.
Interim boss Darren Fletcher is expected to pivot back to a traditional back-four system, a move that suits Rashford’s explosive style on the left wing.
The Prodigal Son returns next week. Whether he can mend the relationship with the fans and help lead United back to the Champions League remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Marcus Rashford is ready to fight for his home again.
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