Exclusive: Marcus Rashford Breaks Silence on Man United Exit and the “Condition” for His Return
As the 2025/26 season approaches its climax, the footballing world has been rocked by bombshell revelations surrounding Marcus Rashford. Currently reviving his career on loan at FC Barcelona, the academy graduate has finally addressed the murky circumstances of his departure from Old Trafford—and the one hurdle standing in the way of a sensational summer return.
Despite rumors that his exit was fueled by a tactical fallout with former manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford has clarified that the root of the issue was personal, not professional.
“It Wasn’t Amorim”: The Real Reason for the Exit
For months, the narrative suggested that Rashford fled to Catalonia because he didn’t fit into Amorim’s rigid 3-4-3 system. However, sources close to the player reveal a much deeper rift.
In a recent candid discussion, Rashford reportedly stated:
> “People think I left because of the manager’s tactics, but it wasn’t about Ruben. There was a specific environment in that dressing room that became untenable. One player made it impossible for me to feel at home at my own club.”
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While Rashford has been careful with his public wording, the “ONE player” in question is widely believed to be Matheus Cunha, who inherited Rashford’s iconic No. 10 shirt shortly after his arrival. The friction between the two reportedly began behind the scenes over leadership roles and training standards, eventually leading to Rashford being “frozen out” before his move to Spain.
The Carrick Connection: A Potential U-Turn?
The recent appointment of Michael Carrick as interim manager (following Amorim’s departure in early 2026) has changed the landscape. Carrick, who coached Rashford for years under Solskjaer and Mourinho, is known to be a huge admirer of the winger’s talents.
* The Ultimatum: Reports suggest Rashford has sent a clear message to the United board: If Carrick is appointed permanently and wants him back, the club must choose.
* The Quote: “If Michael wants me back, he has to choose between me and him. We can’t both be in that dressing room if the club wants to move forward.”
Rashford’s Resurgence in Spain
While United struggles for consistency, Rashford has found his “spark” again at the Spotify Camp Nou. His stats this season under Hansi Flick have been a reminder of his 2022/23 peak:
| Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|—|—|—|—|
| La Liga | 24 | 8 | 9 |
| Champions League | 10 | 5 | 4 |
| Total | 34 | 13 | 13 |
What Happens Next?
Manchester United faces a massive dilemma this summer. Barcelona holds a €30 million (£26m) buy option, which they are reportedly keen to trigger. However, if Carrick is given the permanent job, he may fight to bring the “Prince of England” back to Old Trafford—even if it means offloading a high-profile teammate to clear the air.
The ball is now firmly in INEOS’s court. Do they stick with the current squad, or do they purge the “real reason” for Rashford’s exit to bring their homegrown hero home?
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