Where will Rashford go next? Man United star has ambitions to play in Spain

The clock is ticking on Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United after he publicly declared his desire to leave the club in an impressive interview after being dropped by manager Ruben Amorim.

The 27-year-old winger, who came up through United's youth academy and made his way into the first team, is desperate to return to his best as the 13-time Premier League champions are keen to offload their highest earner.

There will be a natural parting of ways whether you believe Amorim's claim that he wants to keep the Manchester-born superstar or not, and it is expected that there will be many clubs vying for his signature.

Whether United will make a sale in the upcoming January transfer window or wait until the summer remains to be seen, but Mail Sport understands that a fee of around £40 million will be enough to secure his departure.

His preference is to leave the Premier League for Spain, but options in LaLiga are expected to be limited and clubs closer to home may be a better fit for Rashford's current situation.

Mail Sport discusses the clubs likely to make a move for Rashford, assesses their chances of a move and who is the expected frontrunner for the willing Englishman.

PSG4/10

The Parisians were previously admirers of Rashford and before he signed a new five-year £375,000-a-week contract at Old Trafford, he was linked with a move to the reigning Ligue 1 champions.

Two years ago the club held talks with Rashford's representatives, increasing pressure on United to agree an agreement to extend the stay of their youth talent. Now there are suggestions that the French squad could return with a new offer.

PSG's new £200million state-of-the-art training center would appeal to Rashford, who is believed to favor a move abroad, but Mail Sport understands the club are not currently interested in recruiting the winger.

Gone are the days of the Qatari-backed club breaking the bank for high-profile stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi, with PSG now focused on building a team for the future that isn't obsessed with superstar names.

That approach means a move for Rashford in January or at the end of the season is now unlikely and reports suggesting they would complete a swap deal for Kolo Muani are way off the mark.

Barcelona 2/10

Rashford's favorite destination is Spain, and among the sides he would consider joining, there are not many bigger than Barcelona.

The Nou Camp has a good track record of transforming players into superstars. Rashford's experience playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world at Man United means he has proven experience in handling the spotlight.

Hansi Flick has seemingly turned the Catalan club around during his first season in charge, taking them to the top of the LaLiga table and putting the team in a strong position to automatically qualify for the knock-out out-phase of the Champions League, but that is difficult to see. where Rashford could fit.

Lamine Yamal is the golden boy at Barcelona, ​​Raphinha is playing his best football of his career on the left wing and based on current form over the past two seasons it is unlikely that Rashford would go ahead of either.

Furthermore, Barcelona are still limited by the financial pressures that have plagued the club in recent seasons, meaning Rashford would have to drastically reduce his salary to join the club.

Arsenal 7/10

The most likely destination for Rashford may be Arsenal, with a move – at least on paper – appearing to work well for all parties involved.

Granted, United would be selling one of their best players of the past decade to a Premier League rival, but Rashford is no longer the same goal threat he was during his breakthrough years and there is no longer the same concern among supporters.

Mikel Arteta has a knack for helping underperforming players at other clubs rediscover their best form, as the Gunners boss did with Kai Havertz when he joined from Chelsea, and he could do the same with Rashford.

Arsenal also need a left winger, with Gabriel Martinelli struggling to match the goal-scoring form that Bukayo Saka offers title challengers on the other flank, and Rashford is well suited.

Tottenham 3/10

It would be a bizarre move, but stranger things have happened and Tottenham love a bargain. Rashford's availability for £40 million will pique the interest of Daniel Levy and the club could provide the United star with a platform to rediscover his best form.

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou likes forwards with Rashford's qualities of speed, directness in running at defenders and an eye for goal.

But while the Australian is loved by his team, he is also sometimes direct with his players and has no qualms about publicly criticizing their performances if he believes they are not up to par.

Rashford has already shown he does not do well with punishment, as was the case when he decided to declare his intention to leave just days after being dropped by United boss Amorim for the Manchester derby. Tottenham if he falls below the required level.

Chelsea 6/10

An already stacked squad could be strengthened by the addition of Rashford and manager Enzo Maresca in particular is already showing he can get the best out of players other clubs say have an attitude problem.

Jadon Sancho is rediscovering his best form after a dismal spell at United that saw him exiled by Erik ten Hag, while Joao Felix is ​​another superstar who was previously considered problematic in Spain but is looking happy in England.

Rashford needs a club and manager who can regain his confidence in an environment that suits the lifestyle he wants to lead, with Stamford Bridge being the ideal destination.

However, Maresca may not want to risk unbalancing his squad with another high-profile name. Bringing him to the club could cause a rift with other players as Rashford wants to be a starting figure.

But co-owner Todd Boehly will see the marketability of bringing Rashford to the club and seeing the England star in Blue is not out of the question.

Manchester City 1/10

As much as Rashford has stated his interest in wanting to leave United, the 27-year-old has also stated that he will never say a bad word about the club he holds so dear to his heart.

Therefore, joining the Red Devils' city derby rivals in Man City would be a huge surprise, even if working under Pep Guardiola would be a surefire way to get back to his best.

Rashford has been loyal to United since joining the club's youth academy as a child, scoring six goals in 22 games against the reigning English champions.

City have the money to sign Rashford in January and are in desperate need of a new left winger. Both Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku are struggling, but any interest would likely be quickly rejected by United.

Saudi Arabia 4/10

Rashford has admitted he wants a 'new challenge' and while Saudi Arabia may not offer much of a challenge at all, it does guarantee a huge payday that will surpass any offer from a European club.

The Saudi Pro League football revolution is focused on recruiting big names from the Premier League, as they have done with Cristiano Ronaldo, Ivan Toney, Riyad Mahrez, Fabinho and others. Could Rashford be next?

If he wants to become one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, then a move to the Middle East is perfect, with many clubs in the Kingdom more than willing to finance a deal.

But if Rashford is serious about unleashing the potential that has brought him to Old Trafford over the past two decades, then staying in European football is crucial.

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