Former Manchester United striker says Marcus Rashford needs to lose ‘this ego stuff’ if he returns to Old Trafford

Louis Saha believes Marcus Rashford has to get rid of “all of this ego stuff” if he wants to fulfil his potential.

Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United in January and is expected to lead the line at the Parc des Princes tonight in their Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Paris Saint-Germain.

Villa have the option to make the deal permanent in the summer for a reported £40million fee but, despite the England international’s impressive form – he has scored three goals and added four assists in 12 games, it will still need a hefty investment to cover the player’s wages.

Saha is not convinced Villa will want to go down that route, potentially leaving the player in limbo given the acrimonious way his long stint at Old Trafford ended.

Rashford could still have a future at Manchester United – Saha

Former United striker Saha believes there is a way back for him at United, however, providing he changes his attitude.

He told BetMGM: “I think he can go back to Manchester United, but he needs to change his personality and mindset.

“He has proved on the pitch what a top player he is, but all of this ego stuff he has to get rid of – it’s as simple as that. If you want to destroy defences and help the team be successful, you have to do it in so many different ways.

“It’s not about his team-mates or the manager, it’s about him and until his attitude changes we won’t see the real Marcus Rashford.

“I, like many, am a big fan and was really upset when he left Manchester United because of the reasons for it breaking down at Old Trafford, but especially more the way he is performing at Aston Villa.”

‘He can do it anywhere in the world’

Saha believes the 27-year-old needs to take responsibility for his situation, adding: “He has no excuses. It’s not about people, tactics or connections with the fans and it’s b***s*** for me anyone who says it is. It’s his job to find solutions and adapt.

“I do believe he can do it and if he decides to do it, I genuinely think he can do it anywhere in the world.”

Quarter-finals loading 📶#MUFC || #UEL pic.twitter.com/FwGYOkkMEW

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 9, 2025

Saha would give Amorim nine out of 10 so far

United have endured a miserable season that started with Erik ten Hag at the helm before he was sacked and Ruben Amorim brought in.

Results have not improved but Saha has been impressed with the way the Portuguese has conducted himself.

“I think he’s done a great job so far,” Saha said. “Off the pitch, communication-wise, he’s been very honest in a philosophy he believes in. He sticks to it and I commend him for that, so I’d give him a nine out of 10.

“The problem is he’s picked up a team at the wrong moment and he had to implement his philosophy on a set of players it doesn’t work for. Results haven’t gone as he would have liked and the team’s confidence has suffered.

“Defensively, I think they look okay and he’s improved it. Going forward, oh my god, it’s just not happening.

“There is no balance and the results they want to get they just haven’t got the firepower to score goals and beat teams.”

Next up for United is the first leg of their Europa League, quarter-final tie against Lyon tomorrow night. They make the trip to France having not scored in either of their last two games, a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest and Sunday’s drab goalless draw against Manchester City.