Ryan Giggs pulls no punches on Marcus Rashford’s Man United future – ‘We won’t forgive you'

Marcus Rashford has thrived since leaving Manchester United for Aston Villa in the January transfer window, but Ryan Giggs does not see a way back at Old Trafford for the England forward

Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs has admitted that he can't see a future for Marcus Rashford at Old Trafford.

During the January transfer window, the 27-year-old was loaned out to Aston Villa after falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim's first-team plans.

Since joining Villa, Rashford has flourished under manager Unai Emery, even securing a spot in Thomas Tuchel's inaugural England squad thanks to his impressive form.

It is understood that Villa hold the option to sign Rashford first, although the adaptable striker has also been linked with a potential switch to Barcelona.

Giggs served as Louis van Gaal's assistant when Rashford made his United debut at just 18 years old in 2016. The Welsh winger witnessed Rashford score twice on his starting debut during a 5-1 win against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League's round of 32.

A decade on since that memorable debut, the 51-year-old appeared on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast - which is now available and sponsored by Qatar Airways - to discuss all things United, including Rashford's fall from grace at Old Trafford.

Reflecting on Rashford's trajectory, Giggs expressed his disappointment with how things have unfolded for the forward in Manchester.

With the current season's developments, Giggs doesn't see Rashford returning to United. When questioned about Rashford's prospects of returning, the former winger said: "No. I don't think he looked happy at United.

"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."

When Ferdinand probed Giggs on the advice he'd offer Rashford if he were still guiding United from the sidelines, the former United captain didn't hold back: "First of all, he's got to work harder."

He added: "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."

Giggs continued: "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 tenure at Villa has been productive, with four goals and six assists from 17 appearances despite only starting in 12. He was at the centre of most things during Villa's dramatic and tight Champions League quarter-final defeat against Paris Saint-Germain, delivering an assist in the second leg and delivered an assist and two strong attempts thwarted by PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma.

His campaign could still end with a trophy, as Villa have reached the FA Cup semi-final and are set to face Crystal Palace at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, April 26. He will also be a key figure in the final stages of the Premier League, where Villa are among five teams vying for a spot in the Champions League.

Listen to the full Rio Meets Ryan Giggs interview on Apple Podcasts and Spotify from 6am, Friday 25th April.