Man Utd striker Marcus Rashford has told journalist Henry Winter he is “ready for a new challenge” amid rumors the club's INEOS ownership is harboring plans to cash in on the Carrington graduate.
Rashford, 27, was left out of Ruben Amorim's squad for this weekend's Manchester derby, which United won dramatically 2-1, with the head coach appearing to question his professionalism in training.
“For me personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford, who has been with the club for almost 20 years, told Winter on Tuesday during a visit to his former primary school.
“If I leave, there won't be any hard feelings. If I know a situation is already bad, I'm not going to make it worse.
“I've seen other players leave in the past and I don't want to be that person. If I leave, I will make a statement and it will be mine.”
He added: “It's disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it happened, we won the game, so let's move on.
“It's disappointing, but I'm also someone who can deal with setbacks as I get older. What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry. Or do my best the next time I'm available.”
Sky Sports News first reported that Rashford, who has scored seven times in 24 games this season, was on a collision course with INEOS management and their 'clean culture' approach earlier this year after breaking the rules of former manager Erik ten Hag had violated. time in January.
Ten Hag's replacement Amorim was also unimpressed by Rashford's training pitch appearance and his general attitude, which led to his omission from the squad on Sunday.
“It's important to say it was not a disciplinary issue,” the manager confirmed when asked why Rashford was missing.
“What is important to me is the performance in training, the performance during the match, the way you dress, the way you eat, the way you interact with teammates and push teammates.”
Rashford's professionalism was also recently questioned by Sky Sports' Gary Neville after he flew to the US during the recent international break and was photographed watching an NBA match in New York.
The forward admits he feels “misunderstood” and has “no regrets” over the past nine years, while also harboring hopes of a return to England ahead of the 2026 World Cup under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
'Amorim's comments indicate a parting of the ways'
Football journalist Henry Winter:
“Ruben Amorim's comments after the derby were quite indicative of a parting of the ways. It will obviously cause emotions because Marcus Rashford is homegrown, he is very talented and has 60 caps for England. It will be a big story.”
“Sometimes a farewell causes sweet sadness, but sometimes it is necessary sadness. I'm sure there will be a market – whether in Spain or Italy – because he is at that magical age for footballers where he still has his athleticism retains, but has received so much.” experience.
“Amorim wants to play a specific system and Rashford can adapt, but reading today's headlines it seems Rashford is not in those plans.”
'Amorim tries to leave Rashford'
Melissa Reddy from Sky Sports News:
In the absence of a market for Rashford, Amorim has tried various methods to get him. “For so long, for example with Rash, you try something and it doesn't work,” he said. 'Let's keep doing the same thing? Or something else?'
Being left out of the squad against Manchester City has had the desired effect so far, improving the player's training standards and attitude.
Rashford posted a photo of United's celebrations after Amad's sensational winner with the caption “Yesssssssss! Love it boys” on social media. It was seen as a nod to Amorim's comment that everything including “commitment to teammates” will be taken into consideration when selecting a matchday squad.
Carragher: Rashford departure is 'inevitable'
Sky Sports' Jamie Carragher:
“Most managers who come in want to send a message to the squad about the standards of the football club. In some ways it feels like a bigger decision than it actually is.”
“I mean, is Marcus Rashford in the best XI? How good is he? We're not talking about a world-famous superstar here. I actually think we talk too much about Marcus Rashford, if I'm completely honest.
“He's a good player, he's not a great player, he's been a really good player for Manchester United. It's time for him to leave the club, but will there still be people with the wages the boy gets and things like that.” , who knows.
“I think a parting of the ways is inevitable at some point. For Manchester United and Rashford, the sooner that happens, the better.”
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