Manchester United’s squad has been buzzing with activity this pre-season, with Ruben Amorim closely assessing players ahead of a demanding campaign.
Youngsters are stepping up in training, eager to impress and earn minutes, while established stars are aiming to maintain their influence in a competitive squad.
Off the pitch, the club continues to navigate transfer speculation, with fans following every update on arrivals and departures.
Media outlets and social channels have been ablaze with analysis of United’s tactical evolution and the legacy of past managers.
Comparisons with rival clubs highlight how leadership and coaching philosophy can define the trajectory of a team over multiple seasons.
Amid this backdrop, Marcus Rashford, who is now on loan at Barcelona, has opened up about the impact previous Manchester United managers have had on his development.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast on Wednesday, the England forward reflected on his experiences under some of the club’s most influential figures: “The manager who had the greatest influence on me? [Louis] van Gaal, Jose [Mourinho], Ole [Solskjaer].
“We’ve had so many managers that it’s hard to compare, but when you’re developing at a young age, you learn things you’ve never learned before.”
Marcus Rashford singled out the distinct approaches of Mourinho and Van Gaal, explaining: “Regarding Jose, I’ve never had a manager so obsessed with winning.
“Van Gaal too, but he wanted a beautiful style of football.
“Jose didn’t care as long as there was a win.
“Of course, if he had to choose, he’d prefer to win with style, but if you win, you win, and you move on to the next match.”
He went on to admit that adjusting to Mourinho’s approach initially took some getting used to: “At first, it was a bit unsettling for me because my entire development at United was focused on playing a certain style of football.
“So, at the start, I was frustrated about not playing well despite winning, but I learned. He’s a winner.”
Rashford’s candid insight underlines the variety of managerial influences at Manchester United over the past decade, highlighting how each coach shaped his mentality and approach to the game.
It also reflects the wider challenge the club has faced in maintaining continuity while striving for success under different leadership philosophies.
His reflections offer fans a glimpse into the lessons learned from some of the most notable figures in United’s modern history.
