Manchester United make shocking decision on Marcus Rashford
Manchester United and Marcus Rashford are officially at a crossroads. This is the kind of news that no one would have expected a couple of years ago when he was scoring goals for fun in the 2022-23 season. However, the lack of intent from his boyhood club to keep him, plus his resurgence at Aston Villa, has created new chapters to his football storyline.
Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan this January after falling out with manager Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese manager criticized the English winger for his lack of enthusiasm and commitment in training. Now, after a bit of momentum at Villa, there are reports that Rashford is now playing his cards regarding his future.
What is the future of Marcus Rashford?
According to Sky Sports reports, Rashford is not ruling out a move back to Manchester United. This news is surprising because Amorim has the power to decide the ins and outs of his squad. Moreover, it is quite clear that he doesn’t fancy the English winger anymore in his plans. However, Rashford is not denying that he wants to prove the current United manager wrong.
Aston Villa can buy the English winger for £40m, which is still under consideration. Rashford has improved his output, scoring four goals and assisting six in a good season for Unai Emery. However, the club is still wary of Rashford’s antics and history of the United pitch. Rashford’s decision will come at the end of the season, depending on where Aston Villa finishes.
Villa were in the Champions League spots last season and made it to the UCL quarterfinals this season. Unfortunately for them, they lost narrowly to Paris Saint-Germain. The battle for the top-four is on for them, and Rashford would be looking forward to helping his club finish in those Champions League spots. Villa will fancy their chances because a fifth spot guarantees UCL qualification this time. Rashford’s decision could well depend on that.
Can Marcus Rashford Join Other Clubs?
According to reports from The Independent, Rashford has options outside of Manchester United. There are rumors that he wants to play for a Champions League club. Hence, Aston Villa’s Premier League position has gained even more weight after this. However, he doesn’t want to move to London, which rules out moves to Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea.
PSG have historically had plenty of interest in Rashford as they wanted to replace Kylian Mbappe, who left the French club on a free last summer. However, the progression in results has cooled down their interest. Moreover, they have refused to accept the triple-figure offer surrounding Rashford. Manager Luis Enrique is said to be happy with his attacking options.
Barcelona have also paid attention to the winger’s links outside Old Trafford. The Catalans have been sweating the rumors regarding Raphinha, who has been a subject of speculation regarding leaving Barcelona despite a great season with the club. Hence, Hansi Flick would look at Rashford as a potential replacement if the Brazilian walks out of the Catalan door. For that to materialize, Rashford must make it big for Villa until the end of the season.
Final Thoughts
Rashford has plenty of options on the table. However, regardless of how things have soured at Manchester United, he could still return to his boyhood club ultimately. Football doesn’t have any script, and things can change very quickly. Whichever club the Englishman ends up at, it will only come on the back of having top-drawer performances for Aston Villa till the end of the season. Otherwise, he will join the list of United’s biggest failed promises. He may still have a future, but it wouldn’t meet his desires for Champions League football.
