“Not a kid anymore”: Ferdinand sends blunt warning to Rashford over Man Utd future
Rio Ferdinand says Marcus Rashford has a big decision to make over his future at Manchester United this summer.
The 26-year-old has struggled this season. In 36 appearances across all competitions, he has bagged just eight goals and six assists.
He may miss out on a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championship in Germany this summer if his form does not improve.
Rashford’s future at Old Trafford has now become a subject of debate amid reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
Ferdinand insists the forward must look at the people around him when deciding his future.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, he said: “It’s a pivotal moment in his [Marcus Rashford’s] career now. He’s not a kid anymore.
“A lot of people look at potential and talent. He’s 26 – what were you [the panel] doing at 26?
“We were still making mistakes, don’t get me wrong, but on the football pitch you had it locked down. You knew what you were doing, you knew what you were about, who you were.
“There’s a big decision to make for him. From him, he’s got to look at who is around him. I know his family play a big part with him, which is great, but who are the external people around that?
“Are they the right people – are they enabling him to make excuses for himself behind closed doors, or are they saying, ‘Look at yourself, and be accountable for what you are doing’? He needs to look at that and own that and make big decisions.
“When I joined Leeds United, I could’ve gone to Chelsea, and they were probably the club I preferred to go to at the time.
“The reason I left [West Ham United] to go to Leeds was because it was out of London, and the external people around me, I needed to get away from.
“He’ll need to either get rid of them and stay in Manchester or leave Manchester and get rid of those people.
“It might be an accumulation of different things, but that could be a big part because the people around you do have a big influence on how you are – especially accountability.”
Rashford hasn’t been playing well at United this season, and the same is true for many other players in the squad.
However, the others don’t get the same level of scrutiny as Rashford due to his past achievements at the club.
The England international notched 30 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions in 2022-23, helping United win the Carabao Cup and secure a third-place league finish.
While he is nowhere near those levels this season, the criticism he has received is having a negative effect on him as he looks short of confidence.