Danny Simpson: Marcus Rashford Will Decide Manchester United Future
Marcus Rashford’s Manchester United future remains open despite his prominent role at the beginning of the 2026-27 season, with former United defender Danny Simpson believing the forward will ultimately decide whether to extend his stay or seek another move.
Rashford’s route back to Old Trafford
- Rashford emerged from United’s academy as a teenage forward and established himself as one of the club’s leading home-grown players.
- He later fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim and joined Aston Villa on loan.
- The 28-year-old then spent last season at Barcelona, rediscovering form as the Catalan side won La Liga alongside players including Lamine Yamal. Barcelona did not activate an option to sign him permanently.
- Michael Carrick’s arrival brought Rashford back into the first-team picture at United, where he has featured regularly in the opening weeks of the new campaign.
Rashford is nevertheless still seeking his first United goal since the start of December 2024. With fewer than two years remaining on a high-value contract, his long-term position at Old Trafford is likely to become a significant issue as the season develops.
Simpson sees encouraging signs
Simpson said it was too soon to predict whether Rashford would remain at United, but he has been encouraged by the attacker’s recent attitude and willingness to take on defenders.
“I like his body language,” Simpson said. “It is not only about running at players, although that is what you want to see. If I was a full-back, I would be delighted if Marcus received the ball, turned and passed it backwards. He has to keep driving at people.
“He will not beat his man every time, but if he carries on, eventually he will get through, win a penalty, score or create a goal. I think that is what Michael Carrick will be asking him to do.”
Simpson also believes Rashford has begun to reconnect with the United support. “There have been little moments between him and the crowd, and he looks as though he is coming back,” he said. “It is down to him and what he wants.
“He has two years left and is earning big money. If he wants to remain and help put things right in the later part of his career, that is possible. If he wants to play this season and then leave, that is also possible. It will clearly be his choice.”
United need support for Fernandes
United are looking to Rashford to add goals and creativity to an attack that has often depended heavily on captain Bruno Fernandes. Simpson argued that Fernandes must be allowed to influence matches closer to the opposition penalty area rather than being used too deeply.
Fernandes created Bryan Mbeumo’s goal against Manchester City after being deployed further forward, with Simpson describing the pass as one few other players would spot. He added that United cannot depend on their Portuguese captain to produce decisive contributions every week.
“If Bruno scores a hat-trick, we win. If he makes two assists, we win matches,” Simpson said. “But if he has an off day, who else steps up? Marcus has looked good since returning, but then there is the question of what happens with Matheus Cunha. I also thought we missed Amad, because he offers something different.”
Fulham test follows difficult cup exit
- United began the season amid suggestions that a Premier League title challenge could be built.
- The summer window did not deliver as strongly as many supporters had expected.
- A defeat to Brighton, having let an early two-goal advantage disappear, ended United’s Carabao Cup hopes.
- United have taken four points from their past four league fixtures and now travel to Fulham.
Simpson warned that the trip to Craven Cottage will bring another demanding examination. Fulham impressed in their recent match with Liverpool and will approach the United game with confidence, while Carrick’s side face renewed scrutiny over their direction after the Brighton disappointment.
