Change is clearly on the horizon at Old Trafford, but some things, it seems, remain refreshingly straightforward. Manchester United’s newly-appointed head coach, Ruben Amorim, has addressed two of the club’s biggest current transfer questions — the futures of Marcus Rashford and Antony — with a calmness and clarity that United fans will find both reassuring and intriguing.
With both players out on loan this season and showing glimpses of their undeniable talent, Ruben Amorim has insisted that no rash decisions will be made. Instead, both Rashford and Antony will return to Manchester United this summer, where their long-term futures will be carefully considered.
Rashford & Antony Impressing on Loan
When Marcus Rashford sealed his surprise January loan move to Aston Villa, eyebrows were raised across the Premier League. It wasn’t long ago that Rashford was seen as the face of Manchester United’s future — an academy product with pace, passion, and a nose for goal. But a challenging 18 months saw his stock fall, culminating in a temporary switch to Unai Emery’s vibrant Villa side.
The move has, by most accounts, been a success. Rashford has scored four goals and laid on six assists in just a few months, rediscovering the form and confidence that once made him one of England’s most feared forwards. Villa also secured a £40m purchase option, which gives them the chance to make the deal permanent — though it remains to be seen if they’ll trigger it.
Meanwhile, Antony’s fortunes at Real Betis have followed a similar trajectory. Without the burden of his eye-watering transfer fee or the intense spotlight of Manchester, the Brazilian has quietly rebuilt his reputation in Spain. Nine goal contributions later, Antony looks like a player reborn — confident, decisive, and full of the flair that made United splash big money for him in the first place.
Unlike Rashford’s loan deal, Betis have no purchase clause in Antony’s contract, meaning he is set to return to Old Trafford whether he likes it or not.
Ruben Amorim Opens the Door for Their Return
For Ruben Amorim, the situation is simple: both players are still Manchester United assets, and both will be back under the club’s roof before any final decisions are made.
“All the players that are on loan, they will return and then the club will decide what to do at the end of the season,” Ruben Amorim said during a recent press conference.
“The talent of Rashford, even Antony, they have talent. They have to put that on the team.”
It’s a refreshingly pragmatic approach. No grand declarations. No knee-jerk reactions based on a few good performances elsewhere. Ruben Amorim’s words suggest a coach who intends to assess things with his own eyes before sanctioning any moves — a welcome change of pace at a club that has often been accused of short-term thinking.
Moreover, Ruben Amorim’s praise for both players was genuine, not perfunctory. He made it clear that he sees value in their resurgence and believes they can still contribute meaningfully — provided they can channel that talent within the framework of the team.
“We are really happy because if you put one player on loan, the best thing for us is for them to perform and they are performing,” Ruben Amorim added.
Rashford and Antony’s Revival Raises Bigger Questions
Of course, while Rashford and Antony’s loan successes are individually heartening, they also bring uncomfortable questions for Manchester United. Why did these players struggle so badly at Old Trafford in the first place? And why have they flourished away from it?
The easy — and popular — narrative points to systemic dysfunction at United. Multiple managerial changes, tactical chaos, and a general lack of stability have all contributed to an environment where talented players can easily lose their way.
Amorim, however, isn’t interested in excuses. He was quick to defend the club’s stature and appeal, brushing aside concerns that players might be reluctant to return to what some have described as a “broken” Manchester United.
“It’s Manchester United,” Ruben Amorim said firmly.
“What I feel is there are a lot of players who want to play for our club and I know that if you look at our club in the moment, with all the problems with the staff and people going, changing coach and the results, it looks like a little bit of a problem.
“But we have a clear idea. That is the easiest part to explain to a player. Then it is Manchester United. Everyone wants to play for Manchester United.”
A Bold Vision for Manchester United’s Summer Rebuild
Amorim’s confidence is striking, especially given the turmoil United have endured over the past few seasons. But it’s also infectious. There’s a sense that, under his stewardship, United might finally develop a coherent plan — one based on maximizing talent rather than merely accumulating it.
His belief that Rashford and Antony can still have futures at United fits neatly into that philosophy. Rather than giving up on talented players at the first sign of trouble — as has too often been the case in the past — Ruben Amorim seems determined to evaluate, develop, and, if possible, rehabilitate.
Of course, not every player will stay. The summer will inevitably see departures. But if Rashford and Antony can convince Ruben Amorim that they belong, then perhaps their best chapters at United are still to be written.
The idea of a rejuvenated Marcus Rashford terrorizing Premier League defenses again, or an unleashed Antony dazzling with his trademark flair, is a tantalizing prospect. And it’s one that Ruben Amorim, by the sound of it, is more than willing to entertain.
Final Thoughts: A New Era of Patience and Possibility?
As Manchester United fans brace for another pivotal summer, Ruben Amorim’s calm, clear-eyed approach offers a rare and welcome dose of optimism.
Yes, there are problems to fix. Yes, there are hard decisions ahead. But there’s also an opportunity — a chance to reset, rebuild, and reward patience and performance, rather than simply ripping things up and starting again.
Marcus Rashford and Antony may yet become symbols of that new era. Their stories aren’t finished at United — far from it. And under Ruben Amorim, they just might get the second chance they deserve.
