Owen says Rashford bears the weight of the world at United
Former England midfielder Michael Carrick has kept Marcus Rashford in the starting line‑up at Manchester United, yet Owen observes that the striker’s return to the Red Devils has yet to produce regular positive contributions, with more than 400 minutes played without a direct involvement in a goal.
Loan returns and expectations
Rashford rejoined Manchester United after two back‑to‑back loan spells, the most recent being at Barcelona in Spain. The club and its supporters expected a fresh chapter for the forward, hoping the experience abroad would translate into impact at Old Trafford.
He arrived wearing the number 9 shirt for the current season and had already delivered positive displays for the England national team during the World Cup. Those performances raised hopes that he could replicate that form in the Premier League.
The departure of England manager Ruben Amorim, with whom Rashford had previously clashed, opened a window for his return. United also failed to secure a permanent transfer, the club having set a single condition in the summer window that a sale be finalised.
Struggles and Owen's verdict
In more than 400 minutes of league action, Rashford has not registered a direct goal contribution. After the recent defeat to Fulham, he appeared withdrawn, his body language closed, and told that he does not seem to be enjoying football.
Owen summed up the situation, saying: “Parece que o peso do mundo está sobre os ombros dele, e a gente fica pensando: como? por quê?” He added that Barcelona’s decision not to trigger the purchase option and United’s decision to spend almost three times more on Anthony Gordon highlighted lingering doubts about Rashford’s future.
Owen also noted that Rashford is not the only player struggling; Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko have all found it hard to influence games consistently. He warned that if Sesko returns from injury, Cunha will move to the left and Rashford will become the weakest link in the attack, at least for now.
The contrast between the high expectations attached to his loan return and the stark statistical reality underscores the broader challenges facing United’s front line, leaving both fans and the player under intense scrutiny. Until the striker can convert minutes into tangible output, the pressure highlighted by Owen is likely to persist.