I thought Marcus Rashford had to leave Man Utd but then I saw the sad pictures at Aston Villa
Premier League winner William Gallas believes Marcus Rashford will have regrets about how his time at Manchester United ended, as he begins his loan journey with Aston Villa. Rashford joined the Lions the day before transfer deadline day and in doing so ended an uninterrupted association with his boyhood club which has lasted 20 years.
Rashford, of course, has time remaining on his United contract beyond this summer, but manager Ruben Amorim would appear to have no place in his plans moving forward at Old Trafford and Rashford has been urged to grasp the opportunity afforded to him by Villa, to reignite his career and help Unai Emery's side in with their domestic and European aspirations.
Gallas, who played for Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur during a decorated career, believes Rashford looked 'sad' during his unveiling and thinks the new Villa number nine will reflect on the manner of his United departure this winter with remorse. The Frenchman foresees an uphill task for Rashford to rediscover his very best.
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"A few months ago, I’d have said it was better for Marcus Rashford to leave Manchester United and to try to take back his future and to try to reboot himself; find some enjoyment from playing football and get his confidence back," Gallas told Prime Casino.
"When I saw the pictures when he signed for Aston Villa, for me it was a big shame. I thought he looked sad. He could have been a Manchester United legend, given what he did when he was younger. He did a lot of things, and I think in football, what is very, very difficult is to be consistent.
"It’s becoming much harder for players to be completely focused on just their football for many, many years. To have that dedication without distractions. When you start to do too many things that affect your life, it's very difficult to be focused and to have a good performance on the pitch and at the beginning, I thought he’s going to be that legend.
"Like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Cantona, Giggs, all those players. When you leave the club like this, I don't know if it's going to be good for him. I’m sure there will be plenty of regrets. I don't know if he can re-boost himself. I think the problem with Marcus is a little bit deeper. So that's why nobody knows.
"Players are involved in so many things these days. Sponsors, charity things, a lot of things come around the players, especially at that level. Sometimes it's not easy to say no, and you don't protect yourself. You meet so many people and sometimes you have to protect yourself. You have to protect yourself from people and just be focused on football.
"Messi did it when he was younger. Ronaldo did the same thing. They protected themselves. They were so famous. They were not so famous when they were young. That came with the age, when they got more experience, when they were more mature.
"They started to open themselves for different things but, for example, if you compare Rashford, he did some things away from the pitch when he was much younger. I saw the pictures of him and he looked like he's almost 30 years but he's only 27. When you see his face, he looks like he doesn't have that power anymore, and that is really sad to see."
