Rashford Praised After United Return: Now or Never for His Career

Marcus Rashford’s return to Manchester United has prompted praise from former players and teammates, but Gary Neville says the forward faces a decisive period in his career. “It is now or never” if Rashford is to reach the highest level of the Premier League again, Neville said.

“

It is now or never for him to reach the highest level of the Premier League again. He has to deliver over the next two or three years.

Rashford started United’s home match against Ipswich on Sunday, his first such start for almost two years. United won 5-2. The 28-year-old had spent time away from the club on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona, leaving uncertainty over whether he would return to Manchester.

Former Premier League striker Darren Bent said Rashford “looked very sharp” and could become a major asset if he reproduces his previous form. Neville said a return to the level Rashford showed in the 2022-23 season would feel “like a new signing” for United.

“

If he gets back to where he was in the 2022-23 season, it will be like a new signing for United.

Defender Harry Maguire also backed the forward, calling him “a fantastic talent” and a constant threat. Maguire said Rashford had faced heavy criticism during difficult periods, but remained an important player if he stayed fit, happy, hungry and committed.

“

He is a fantastic talent. You have seen that he is always a threat. If we keep him fit, happy, hungry and driven, he is a great asset to have.

According to The Athletic, Manchester United now expects Rashford to remain after Barcelona chose not to exercise a 30 million euro purchase option. Manager Michael Carrick described Rashford as “a new signing,” while The Athletic characterized the player as refreshed after his spell away from the club.

“

Marcus feels like a new signing.