Marcus Rashford's career at Old Trafford looks set to end next year after 20 years at Manchester United.
And the signs were there last season when Rashford was reportedly made available for transfer. It marked the start of a major overhaul at United, with years of disappointing performances and sub-par recruitment since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013, resulting in a glut of underperforming talent.
Rashford, 27, is under contract until 2028, but his recent admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” suggests an exit is all but certain. After joining United at the age of seven, Rashford's relationship with the club appears to have taken a hit following a decline in form in recent seasons.
A report from The Telegraph (via the Daily Express) in April 2024 suggested that United were open to offers for almost all of their players during the summer transfer window, with just three exceptions – but Rashford was not among them. Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho were the trio deemed off-limits, but that number may have decreased following allegations of locker room leaks.
Garnacho, 20, has faced accusations as the alleged source of leaking United team news to the public. The Argentina international was left out of Sunday's 2-1 win over Manchester City and is said to be furious along with Amad after being accused of leaking team news.
Rashford – United's second highest earner at £300,000 a week – was also noticeably absent from Sunday's squad, training at United's Carrington base just hours before the trip to City. Ruben Amorim's decision to sideline the forward is the latest sign that he is being deemed surplus to requirements.
Rashford initially showed promise under Amorim, scoring three goals in the Portuguese manager's first two Premier League matches. Despite scoring seven goals in all competitions this season – just one fewer than last season's total – some fans have criticized him for wasting chances.
When rumors first emerged that Rashford would be on the chopping block at United after the club sent a brutal message to their squad by making almost everyone up for grabs, it was suggested that a transfer would be more likely if the forward was about to leave. And it seems inevitable that those plans will be set in motion for a 2025 departure, now that he has publicly expressed his willingness to leave.
United were initially willing to back Rashford despite reports in the summer, but his inconsistent form and admission that he is keen to leave cannot be ignored.
Rashford has scored 138 goals and provided 63 assists in 426 appearances for United so far, winning two FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League. However, with both sides seemingly ready for change, United appear ready to seize the opportunity and test the transfer market by cashing in on their assets.
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