Ruud Gullit believes Marcus Rashford could prove to be the best signing of the new season and says his return would benefit Manchester United.
The Dutch football legend was asked which summer transfer had impressed him most in the Premier League. Rather than selecting a new arrival from one of the division’s clubs, Gullit pointed to Rashford and the improvement he saw in the forward during his time with Barcelona.
“Rashford could end up being the best signing. He gained a lot at Barcelona, played much better, and had much more freedom than he did at Manchester United.
“Is this his own problem, or is it caused by the internal environment of the club? People always easily blame players. But if he plays well elsewhere, it means there were problems with the environment he was in before.
“So this will be a very valuable change. If he stays at Manchester United and continues his performance at Barcelona, it will be good for Manchester United; if another club is willing to give him a chance, it will be the same for that team.”
Rashford’s spell at Barcelona is central to Gullit’s assessment. The former Netherlands international said the forward looked more effective and appeared to have greater freedom away from Manchester United, raising questions over whether the difficulties were caused by the player himself or by the environment at his previous club.
Gullit also challenged the tendency to place responsibility solely on footballers when their form declines. In his view, Rashford’s performances elsewhere suggest that factors within Manchester United may have contributed to the problems he experienced there.
The former player believes that any outcome could ultimately serve Rashford and the club. If Rashford remains at Manchester United and reproduces the level he showed at Barcelona, Gullit says that would be positive for the Old Trafford side. Equally, he argued that another club could benefit if it gives the forward the opportunity to continue his revival.
Rashford’s potential return to Manchester United therefore represents more than a change in destination, according to Gullit. It could also provide the England forward with the chance to demonstrate that his improved displays at Barcelona were not temporary, while giving Manchester United the opportunity to benefit from his best form.
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