Exclusive: Man Utd Legend McIlroy "Flabbergasted" at the "Downfall" of Marcus Rashford

Manchester United legend Sammy McIlroy has been left “flabbergasted" by the downfall of Marcus Rashford.

McIlroy has been a huge advocate of the striker during his long career at Old Trafford.

But even he was left gobsmacked at Rashford’s shock transfer deadline day move to Premier League rivals Aston Villa.

“Loads of Manchester United fans will be absolutely gutted he’s left the club,” stressed McIlroy, speaking exclusively to SportsBoom.com. 

“I watched Marcus as a youngster, he played on the left wing I said then he was going to be a real talent."

“But just when you hoped he and the club would sort something out, then all of a sudden it [talks] hit the wall and he’s left the club."

“Honestly, I’m absolutely flabbergasted by the downfall of Marcus Rashford.”

Wythenshawe-born Rashford started his Manchester United career 20 years ago, having risen through the youth and academy ranks before establishing himself as a first-team favourite.

He made 426 appearances for the club and won five trophies with the Red Devils during a career which many thought would never end.

Amorim's Public Criticism - The Final Straw?

But a public shaming from new boss Ruben Amorim, who accused Rashford of a lack of professionalism in training, was seemingly the final straw in a sad saga which has ultimately seen one of the club’s best young strikers leave.

Amorim tried to deflect questions that he was keen to jettison Rashford from Old Trafford, but the Portuguese boss also said he had no regrets when the former England international hitman agreed a loan deal with Villa until the end of the season.

“It’s such a shame for everyone concerned,” offered McIlroy.

Echoes of Sancho 

“What’s happened reminds a lot of what happened when Erik ten Hag was in charge and he criticised Jadon Sancho for a lack of effort. That ended badly and Sancho left the club."

“But at the same time it was looking more likely Marcus might leave because he’s not played a lot of games in the last couple of months."

“And United have not been scoring many goals either, so you thought that might have been the perfect time for him to get back in the team."

“At the end of the day Amorim is a strong manager and the club have got to back him on his decisions."

“For me, personally, I’m sad to see Marcus go, especially because he’s a local lad and he’s done so much for the club."

“But if it’s true, and he’s not been working hard in training, then the manager is obviously going to do something about it."

“If players don’t want to train, then something is obviously going on. And, ultimately, it’s led to this."

“I used to love training every day, I find it incredible some players don’t want too."

“I’m not a fan of the manager criticising players in public, I don’t think you should air your dirty washing in public, but the manager is a strong character and he’s not going to change."

“He wants to play a certain way and the players need to get on board with what he’s trying to do.”