'It's really sad': Nicky Butt tells Marcus Rashford to leave Manchester United to save his career
Nicky Butt believes Marcus Rashford could be one of the best players in the world, but he needs to leave Manchester United to realise that talent.
The Red Devils suffered a 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool on Sunday, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah doing the damage at Old Trafford.
In truth, none of Manchester United's players covered themselves in much glory, but Rashford was once again picked out by the fans despite creating some of the limited chances his side had in the game.
The Red Devils academy product has struggled to recapture the electric form he had in the 2022/23 season and is yet to register a goal contribution this season.
Now club legend Butt has told talkSPORT what the 26-year-old needs to do to revive his career.
Asked what was happening with the winger, he said: “I don't know and it's actually sad to see that because I've known Marcus since he was probably eight or nine at Manchester United and he's always been the one you have hope for.
“I believe in him and people are probably shouting at him on the phone now, but I think he still has the talent to be one of the best players in the world.
“He just hasn't been working out well in recent years at Manchester United, you always say he's going to do it, he's going to do it, but it seems like maybe it's time for a change for him.
“Nobody really knows what his mentality is, but there is a lot of talent inside that man and he is a top-level footballer.
“But that's not happening now for Manchester United, people always point out the fact his body language, he doesn't care, I can tell you now he does care, he's a good lad but it's just not clicking with him.
“Maybe it’s time to go find a club where he can breathe deeply, where eyes aren’t on him all the time.
“He is the excuse for all the fans, all the fans look at him and it is not just him, the whole team, the whole squad needs to improve their game.”
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Manchester United have suffered two defeats so far this Premier League season, first away to Brighton and then again at home to rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Although both teams are set to compete at the top of the league this season, Butt still sees problems in Ten Hag's squad, and that's despite spending £205.9m on new players.
Former midfielder Butt continued: “I don’t see a plan in the project, in the signings, I don’t understand what type of players they are looking for.
“They have a completely new system at Manchester United in terms of recruitment and the way they buy players.
“But the players we are signing are not superstars of their clubs. They are just decent players. Manchester United used to sign the best players and now we are getting players who may not have even played for their respective clubs the previous season. It feels like we are in the market to buy those players and it is strange.
Nor does he believe the team that finished eighth in the Premier League has improved since last season.
“The short answer is no (they haven't improved),” he said. “I don't think they're anywhere near what they need to be to compete at the top.
“For me, transfers are not a challenge for the Premier League. I think what Manchester United are trying to do at the moment is build the team with the sole objective of getting back to Europe and that was evident yesterday, especially in midfield.”
Manchester United signed Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain last week, who, if Casemiro is having problems again Just as he did against Liverpool, he will probably come on to replace the Brazilian.
The midfielder's wife posted a cryptic Instagram after being taken off at half-time for losing the ball for Liverpool's goals, and Butt believes Casemiro will struggle to be the midfielder the Red Devils need him to be.
“I find it difficult to criticise Casemiro for everything he's done in his career. He's a serial winner, he was an incredible player, he won everything he won, but the eyes don't lie,” said Butt.
“Towards the end you lose your legs in midfield, you turn around and you can’t touch the ball. You become the centre of attention and I think that’s what happens to Casemiro.
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“He's still a good player, he still has a place at Manchester United as a team player, he came on with a 1-0 lead and settled the game with his experience.
“But when it comes to starting a game against teams like Liverpool, City, Chelsea and Arsenal, he won't be able to do it.”
Manchester United's next game is against promoted Southampton after the international break in what could prove to be a must-win game for Ten Hag and Co.
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