Advertisement

£70m deal, PSG option, two new Man United signings - Marcus Rashford future verdict reached

Marcus Rashford claps the fans
-Credit: (Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)


Marcus Rashford is said to be fighting for his future at Manchester United with the club open to bids for him next year.

The attacker was not among the four players - Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund - to be exempt from sales during the last window, following a drab campaign. The 27-year-old, whose contract does not expire until 2028, is already one goal away from matching last season’s tally this term, with three strikes coming in Ruben Amorim’s first five matches in charge.

However, the Telegraph claims United will be open to bids for Rashford next summer, partly due to his off-field activities. The forward was seen clubbing following last year’s Manchester derby defeat before being fined and left out of an FA Cup tie in January after a trip to Northern Ireland led to him calling in ill the prior Friday.

READ MORE: 'His general play is shocking' – Roy Keane slams Man United star with scathing comment

READ MORE: Shaw, Evans, Lindelof - Man United injury news

He was also criticised by some for deciding to fly to the USA with Casemiro during the November international break and not rest up ahead of Amorim’s first day at United, having not been selected for England duty since March.

But aside from his life outside of work, should Rashford be moved on? Would it be helpful for the player himself or would it be a mistake for United to let him go? Our writers have their say.

Isaac Johnson

A little while ago, Rashford said he could not envisage playing for another club. A few years later, many others can.

United are in a stronger position to let him leave this summer given the rise of Amad, but I still think it would be risky to do so unless a suitable replacement is sourced. Jadon Sancho is all but technically gone and Antony ought to be ahead in the for-sale criteria.

Rashford has come in for justified criticism but to brand him surplus to requirements seems harsh and daft. Only Garnacho has scored more for United this season, and only by a single goal.

There is perhaps more of a case for the player to move on for his own sake. United is a boiling pot of scrutiny at the best of times and Rashford is clearly a confidence player. Personally, I think a move to Paris Saint-Germain - previous admirers - would be ideal if he is to leave.

Jake Stokes

It would be best if Manchester United and Marcus Rashford part ways. The 27-year-old forward has really struggled to impress at Old Trafford for a while now, so it's time for the club to make a difficult – and long overdue – decision on his future.

United can reinvest his wages on a new player or two in the January transfer window to catalyse Ruben Amorim's project. They will save millions by taking Rashford off the wage bill – but that money must be put back into club and now pocketed by the owners.

Meanwhile, the England international can find himself a new club. Somewhere he can call home again. I can't see why any top Premier League club would want to sign Rashford, unless they truly believe they can reignite his flame.

So, I think he should go abroad. Take a break from all the noise and focus on himself. A move to Paris Saint-Germain would be excellent for all parties. I'd suggest the Bundesliga, but I wouldn't expect any club in Germany to meet his wages.

Isaac Seelochan

There are several reasons why selling Rashford may benefit United. Due to his homegrown status, his sale would represent pure profit, giving the Reds some flexibility with PSR to strengthen Amorim's squad.

There is also a debate over whether he will be a long-term fit under the Portuguese. The academy graduate is not a No 10 or a wing-back and has never been fully convincing as a striker.

Also, is he good enough to help United compete for Premier League and Champions League titles? The jury is still very much out on that one.

Bruna Reis

Parting ways with Rashford would make sense for United financially. After the club recorded losses of £312.9million before tax over the past three seasons, it’s time to tighten up where they can. Selling Rashford would accommodate that, especially as he’s one of the highest earners at Old Trafford.

Having come through the club’s academy, he represents pure profit under Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and while that will aid the club massively, it also makes Rashford more vulnerable. As a result of the club's losses and a heavy spending in the summer, Ruben Amorim is likely to have a limited budget in January which could affect United's European hopes this season.

The sale of Rashford would allow United to reinvest during the transfer windows and back Amorim with new signings. Not to mention, millions will be saved by taking the forward off the wage bill.

Following noise around the 27-year-old in the last few months, Rashford would benefit from a fresh adventure abroad. Paris Saint-Germain would be great business for all parties and although I’d like to see him play in La Liga, I’m not sure the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona would be prepared to meet his wages demands given their financial issues.

Kieran Horn

Given the difficulties he has faced in the last few years, it is perhaps no surprise that Man United are open to selling Marcus Rashford.

Despite scoring twice against Everton, it is claimed a very swift decision has been made on his future. The system he deploys also means that numerous players are fighting for just three spots and it is perhaps now clear the likes of Joshua Zirkzee, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund are higher in his estimations.

Though United look to have made quite a big decision, that does not necessarily mean they will accept the first bid that arrives. Regardless of the fact he has struggled recently, Rashford is still an elite-level attacker and that should be reflected by what United deem as their asking price.

As he will still have three years remaining on his contract in the summer of 2025, if a proposal worth £70million arrives then United should absolutely take the interested club up on their offer.