Marcus Rashford’s departure from Manchester United has come as a major shock, and journalist Mark Ogden has pointed to Cristiano Ronaldo as a key factor in the English forward’s decline. Rashford, once seen as one of the club’s brightest young talents, struggled to maintain his form in recent years. While injuries and attitude issues were often cited as reasons, Ogden has now revealed that Ronaldo’s return in 2021 significantly altered Rashford’s trajectory at Old Trafford.
Before Ronaldo’s arrival, Rashford was thriving, showing signs of becoming one of the best forwards in English football. He had just finished a stellar 2020-21 season, where he was a key player for United, scoring goals and providing assists. His confidence was at an all-time high, and he was considered the future of the club. However, everything changed when Ronaldo rejoined the team, shifting the focus away from Rashford and making him a secondary figure in the squad.
According to Ogden, Ronaldo’s presence immediately disrupted Rashford’s development. The Portuguese star became the center of attention, and United’s tactics began to revolve around him. Rashford, who had previously been given the freedom to lead the attack, found himself sidelined. This sudden change impacted his confidence and his performances on the pitch. Instead of progressing into the club’s main attacking force, he struggled to adapt to a new, reduced role.
Beyond just tactical changes, Ogden also suggested that Ronaldo’s personality and influence in the dressing room played a role in Rashford’s decline. As a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo commanded immense respect, but his high standards and dominant leadership style reportedly created an uncomfortable environment for some younger players. Rashford, in particular, was said to have felt the pressure of playing alongside such a demanding figure, which may have further contributed to his dip in form.
The shift in dynamics within the squad meant that Rashford no longer played with the same confidence and freedom. Reports even suggested that there were tensions between some of the younger players and Ronaldo. With the team’s attacking structure built around the Portuguese forward, Rashford struggled to find his place, leading to a noticeable decline in his performances. Over time, the once-promising star appeared lost and unable to regain his previous level.
After months of speculation, Rashford has now officially left Manchester United. While the club has not publicly disclosed the exact reasons for his departure, sources close to the player have claimed that he felt undervalued and unappreciated. Despite his best efforts to rediscover his top form, he never quite managed to reclaim his place as a key figure in the squad. Many believe that if not for Ronaldo’s return, Rashford could have developed into the long-term face of the club.
Now, with Rashford seeking a fresh start elsewhere, the debate continues—was he truly held back by Ronaldo’s influence, or was his decline inevitable due to other factors? Some argue that he simply failed to live up to expectations, while others believe that being overshadowed by Ronaldo drastically affected his growth and career progression. Regardless of the reason, his exit represents a major turning point in his career.
As Rashford begins a new chapter away from Old Trafford, fans will be eager to see whether he can revive his career in a different environment. His time at Manchester United may have ended in disappointment, but his talent remains undeniable. Only time will tell if he can prove his doubters wrong and fulfill the potential that once made him one of England’s most exciting young players.
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