Marcus Rashford last night dropped a bombshell by admitting he wants to leave Manchester United.
The one-club man revealed in an astonishing interview that he wants to take on a “new challenge” after falling out of favour at Old Trafford. Rashford, 27, was axed from United’s matchday squad for Sunday’s dramatic derby win against rivals Man City. And it appears the high-profile snub by new boss Ruben Amorim is the final straw for Rashford, who is ready to turn his back on his hometown club.
In an interview that has rocked Old Trafford, the £350,000-a-week star said: “I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps. When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United.”
The £40million-rated striker – who has scored just seven goals in 24 appearances this season – vowed he won’t throw his toys out of the pram as he added: “If I know a situation is already bad, I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past, I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me.”
With a potential January transfer exit on the cards, Record Sport looks at six potential destinations for the bombed out England man.
PSG
Let’s start off with the most obvious option. The French heavyweights are long-term admirers of Rashford and have been heavily linked with the frontman in recent years. However, it’s believed the Qatari-owned club are now shifting their transfer strategy to target rising talent rather than handing out more eye-watering contracts to big-name stars. Nevertheless, the Ligue 1 champions could test the waters by launching a loan move for the frontman, with an option to buy if he thrives in Paris.
Barcelona or Atletico Madrid
Real Madrid have an embarrassment of riches up front with Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo all at their disposal, so it’s difficult to see where Rashford would fit in. A switch to La Liga table-toppers Barcelona may well be a more sensible move, with Robert Lewandowski now in his twilight years at 36. Atletico Madrid are no strangers to swooping for English players having poached Conor Gallagher and Kieran Trippier in recent years.
Bayern Munich
Vincent Kompany could attempt to lure his former Premier League rival to the Allianz Arena and reunite him with international teammate Harry Kane. However, Rashford would face competition to force his way into the starting line-up, with Kingsley Coman and Serge Gnabry currently first picks on the flanks.
Chelsea
It’s hard to imagine Rashford playing for a rival English team but Chelsea would certainly not have any issues covering his wages and transfer fee. The Blues have emerged as unlikely title contenders this year and with Mykhailo Mudryk potentially facing a four-year ban after failing a drugs test, there could be an opportunity for Rashford to kickstart his career in London and link up with former United teammate Jadon Sancho.
Saudi Arabia
One thing Rashford would be guaranteed in the Middle East is an eye-watering pay packet. But as a player who should be in his peak years, does he still harbour ambitions of playing at the top level and forcing his way back into the international fold with England?