Rashford sends Amorim message in bombshell first interview since Man Utd return

Marcus Rashford's future remains uncertain but he's poised to return to Manchester United for pre-season and has underlined his ability to play as a No 9 amid the club's search for a striker

Marcus Rashford has admitted that being a central striker is "becoming more natural" as his career evolves - with Manchester United desperately looking for a new No.9.

The 27-year-old is returning to Old Trafford after his loan stint away at Aston Villa. Rashford has endured a difficult time in Manchester and, after falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim, opted to move away temporarily.

Villa had a £40million option to sign him permanently but that hasn't been exercised and Rashford faces an uncertain future. His dream move to Barcelona may now be off the cards - despite his thinly-veiled come-get-me-plea - and the forward appears to be selling himself as the central striker that United are looking for.

Rashford has played predominantly from out wide during his career, but believes becoming a central option has been part of his career evolution. Those in Manchester have missed out on Liam Delap, one of their summer targets, whilst Viktor Gyokeres may favour other destinations.

It could yet leave an opening for Rashford to stake his claim as the man to lead United's line - something he believes he's now capable of. He said: "For me as I've got older, the No.9 position is becoming more comfortable, more natural."

In Rashford's most prolific season he scored 30 times. That was back in 2022/23 under Erik ten Hag. He's failed to hit those heights since but looked back to his best for periods during his loan spell at Villa, where he was able to dislodge Ollie Watkins as a stater.

The main task for the academy graduate will be winning over Amorim. The Portuguese coach, who has signed Matheus Cunha and now wants Bryan Mbeumo, quickly shunned Rashford when he arrived and left him out of numerous squads. He later cited a difference of opinion as their main issue.

He said: "I couldn't get Marcus to see the way you're supposed to play football and to train the way I see it. Sometimes you have one player that is really good with one coach, and the same player with another coach is different. I wish the best to Rashford and to [Villa manager] Unai Emery, and they can connect because he's a very good player."

Before Rashford went on to rediscover his best form at Villa Park under Unai Emery Amorim admitted: "Sometimes you have one player that is really good with one coach, and the same player with another coach is different."