Ryan Giggs says he 'won't forgive' Marcus Rashford as Man United legend makes brutal Old Trafford prediction
Rashford was sent on loan to Aston Villa in the January transfer window, after being frozen out of the first-team picture by boss Ruben Amorim
Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs has confessed that he can't envision a future for Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford.
During the January transfer window, 27 year old Rashford was loaned out to Aston Villa following his exclusion from the first team by Ruben Amorim.
Since joining Villa and playing under Unai Emery, Rashford's impressive form has even landed him a spot in Thomas Tuchel's inaugural England squad. Although Villa holds the option to sign Rashford first, there's speculation about a potential transfer to Barcelona.
Giggs, who served as assistant manager to Louis van Gaal when Rashford made his United debut at 18 back in 2016, witnessed the young talent score twice on his first start during a 5-1 Europa League victory against FC Midtjylland.
A decade after that memorable debut, Giggs appeared on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, sponsored by Qatar Airways, which is set to air at 6am on Friday 25th April. He expressed his disappointment with how Rashford's career at United has unfolded.
Reflecting on the events of this season, Giggs doubts Rashford's return to United. On the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, when asked about Rashford's prospects at United, Giggs swiftly responded: "No. I don't think he looked happy at United.", reports the Mirror.
"I think he looks happier now. I just don't. Which is a shame because obviously I'd seen him as a part of the staff when we'd given him his debut."
In a discussion with Ferdinand about how he would approach Rashford if he were still commanding the sidelines at United, the former captain of the Red Devils didn't mince words as he focused on the Villa loanee: "First of all, he's got to work harder.
"I talked about no matter what position on the pitch you are, you sprint back as quick as you sprint forward, and aesthetically, it didn't look great. Especially if the team ain't doing well.
"Because fans will forgive you for missing a chance. They won't forgive you for not working hard enough. They just won't. Because they can do that. They can sprint. Everyone can."
He proceeded to comment on Rashford's current form: "But then also, what I talked about, you know that he can play up there. He's done it everywhere. He's done it on the biggest stage. It's hard from looking outside to in. But it looked like he's not enjoying it.
"And you've got to enjoy it. Especially flare players, attacking players. Because that's your best moments. When your confidence is high, you're trying things. Don't always come off. But play instinctively and play like you did when you were younger. Freedom."
Rashford's performance while on loan at Villa has been noteworthy, contributing four goals and six assists in 17 appearances, despite only starting in 12 of those outings.
His crucial role was evident during Villa's tight Champions League quarter-final second-leg defeat against Paris Saint-Germain where he provided an assist and tested PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma with two strong shots.
His campaign could yet conclude with a trophy, as Villa have reached the FA Cup semi-final and are set to take on Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, April 26.
He will also play a crucial role in the final stages of the Premier League, where Villa are among five teams vying for Champions League qualification.