'Man Utd won't forgive Rashford' says Ryan Giggs over a return to Old Trafford

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs doubts Marcus Rashford can return to Old Trafford due to a fallout with the manager and fans.

Despite Rashford’s resurgence during a loan spell at Aston Villa, Giggs believes the 27-year-old’s time at United could be over, with supporters unlikely to forgive his perceived lack of commitment.

Since joining Aston Villa on loan in February 2025, Rashford has rediscovered the form that once made him a Manchester United talisman.

In 17 appearances under Unai Emery, Rashford has scored four goals and provided six assists, including a penalty in a 2-1 Premier League loss to Manchester City and an assist in Villa’s Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.

His performances have earned plaudits from pundits like Roy Keane, who praised his dynamic display against City, and Wayne Rooney, who urged Rashford to maintain this level at United.

The loan move, prompted by Amorim’s decision to freeze him out over concerns about his attitude and training habits, has also secured Rashford’s recall to the England national team, signaling a return to his best.

Rashford’s success at Villa Park, where he has often displaced regular striker Ollie Watkins, has fueled speculation about his future.

Villa hold a £40 million option to make the move permanent, but their decision depends on securing Champions League football, with a top-five Premier League finish uncertain after a 5-4 aggregate defeat to PSG.

Rashford’s camp has indicated he will delay any decision until mid-June, prioritizing a club competing in the UEFA Champions League and ruling out moves to London-based teams like Crystal Palace or part-exchange deals.

Ryan Giggs, who served as assistant manager when Rashford debuted for United at 18 in 2016, has been vocal about the forward’s talent but pessimistic about his future at the club.

Speaking to Webby & O’Neill, Giggs acknowledged Rashford’s ability to be “one of the best” but highlighted the significant barriers to a return, particularly the unforgiving stance of United fans.

“Marcus has the talent, no question—pace, flair, and big-moment mentality,” Giggs said. “But the fans won’t forgive him easily. He’s burned bridges with his attitude, and I don’t see a way back while things are as they are.”

Giggs’s comments reflect a sentiment echoed in related reports, where he bluntly stated “No” when asked about Rashford’s prospects of returning to United.

Giggs’s reference to fan discontent stems from Rashford’s turbulent final months at United, marked by disciplinary issues under former manager Erik ten Hag—such as attending a birthday party after a 3-0 loss to Manchester City in October 2023 and clubbing in Belfast in January 2024—and Amorim’s public criticism of his training ethic.

Posts on X amplify this narrative, with fans like @kick_in_grass arguing that Rashford’s “perceived laziness” and decision to “bail” after an unauthorized interview have fueled anger, ruling out a return.

Another user, @JackJohnsonMUFC, criticized Rashford’s attitude and choice to leave rather than fight for his place, reflecting a segment of the fanbase’s frustration.

At Manchester United, Rashford’s exit appears increasingly inevitable. Sources close to the player, cited by BBC Sport, suggest he feels it is “unlikely” he will play under Amorim again due to a breakdown in their relationship, with Amorim stating he “couldn’t get Marcus to see the way you’re supposed to play football”.

United’s plans to fund a squad rebuild, including targets like Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, and Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes, hinge on player sales, with Rashford among up to ten potential departures alongside Casemiro, Victor Lindelof, and Antony.

A permanent transfer could generate £40 million or more, easing pressure under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), especially if United’s Europa League semi-final against Athletic Bilbao yields a £100 million windfall.

Rashford’s options include staying at Villa, where he has “never been happier” and feels free from the “constant media spotlight” at United, or exploring interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, both of whom see him as a versatile forward.

A proposed swap deal with Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who has scored 43 goals over the last two seasons, has been floated, but Rashford’s camp is against such arrangements, and swap deals are notoriously complex.

His £325,000-a-week salary, with Villa covering 75-90% during the loan, remains a hurdle for potential suitors, though his form has attracted a “livelier market” than anticipated.

Giggs’s warning about fan forgiveness underscores a broader divide among United supporters. While some, like those calling for his recall after his FA Cup heroics against Preston, see Rashford as a prodigal son capable of reclaiming his 2022-23 form (30 goals in 56 games), others view his exit as the end of an era.

Alan Shearer has expressed shock at the idea of Rashford returning, citing his irreconcilable rift with Amorim, while former goalkeeper Ben Foster suggested Rashford is “done with United” and playing for a permanent move elsewhere.

On X, fans debate whether Rashford’s “footballing rebirth” at Villa justifies a second chance or confirms he’s better off elsewhere.

Rashford’s immediate focus is on Villa’s FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace and their push for European qualification, but his long-term decision will shape his legacy.

Giggs’s comments highlight the challenge of winning back a fanbase that feels let down by a hometown hero, particularly after high-profile incidents and a perceived lack of effort.

Yet, Rashford’s four goals and six assists at Villa, coupled with his England recall, prove he remains a top-tier talent capable of thriving in the right environment.

As Rashford approaches a defining summer, Giggs’s perspective serves as both a tribute to his potential and a sobering reminder of the obstacles he faces.

A return to United would require a seismic shift—potentially Amorim’s departure and a public reconciliation with fans—while a permanent move to Villa or a Champions League club like Barcelona offers a fresh start.

For United, Rashford’s likely exit is a bittersweet necessity, freeing funds for Amorim’s rebuild but closing the chapter on a homegrown star who once embodied the club’s spirit.

With the transfer window looming, Rashford’s performances will continue to fuel debate, but Giggs’s warning suggests that winning back the United faithful may be his toughest challenge yet. Whether he can defy the odds or embrace a new path, Rashford’s next move will define his career and leave a lasting mark on United’s turbulent season.