Ruud Gullit believes that Michael Carrick understands the history of Manchester United – and could be the man to reintegrate Marcus Rashford into the first-team squad.
Former Chelsea and Newcastle United manager Gullit also accused United of living in the past, saying they have been left behind tactically by Liverpool and Manchester City.
Indeed, the ex-Netherlands forward thinks current players prefer to join their more successful rivals precisely because they have coaches and tactics that are attractive to potential signings.
During an exclusive conversation with NY Sports Day, Gullit moreover discussed the future of Rashford, who has returned to Old Trafford after a successful loan spell at Barcelona, with the Catalan giants signing England winger Anthony Gordon instead.
Rashford’s history at Man Utd
Red Devils boss Carrick seems keen to reintegrate Rashford into the first team, and Gullit said: “Carrick knows him, and he has history and roots at Old Trafford, but that doesn’t automatically guarantee success.
“Manchester United sometimes lives in the past too much – you have to adapt to modern developments.
“Since Sir Alex Ferguson left, football has evolved rapidly.
“Clubs like Liverpool and Manchester City adapted far better to modern tactical interpretations.
“That’s why top players wanted to join those coaches and stay there, whereas United struggled to attract the very best talent.”
‘Attack is the best defence’
Gullit added: “The most critical takeaway for clubs today came from the [2026] World Cup.
“It proved that if you are overly defensive-minded, you won’t achieve anything.
“Look at England, the Netherlands or Argentina in the final – when teams set up defensively, they ended up losing.
“Attack is the best defence.
“Over a 38-game season, you won’t win every match, but the intent must be proactive.
“The World Cup showed that attacking intent makes you a winner.
“Every team wants control of the ball.”
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