Manchester United transfer verdict delivered amid 'fresh start' claim for frozen out player

Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford needs a ‘fresh start’ away from Old Trafford, ManchesterWorld reporter Rich Fay believes. The forward is facing an uncertain future with the Premier League side at this moment in time.

He has been on the books of the Red Devils for his whole career to date and rose up through their academy ranks. The Wythenshawe-born man was a regular at various youth levels before breaking into the first-team.

It remains to be seen at this stage whether he will be staying at United in this January window or heading out the exit door. He has fallen out of favour under Ruben Amorim.

Marcus Rashford latest at Manchester United

Fay has delivered his verdict on the situation, via ShotsTV: “It is a very interesting one in that regard because he is an exceptional player and everyone now knows that he has got that world class ceiling. He scored 30 goals in that Ten Hag campaign (2022/23) and then there has been a massive drop off since then, whether that is down to personal issues off the pitch or whether he is finding it difficult to find the new motivation.

“He admitted himself after he was dropped from the derby win over Manchester City that he is ready for a new challenge. Ruben Amorin handled it rather well saying ‘we can give him that challenge at Old Trafford’, but I think it has become abundantly clear over the last few weeks that Marcus Rashford would be better suited continuing his career elsewhere.

“He’s 27 now, he’s had two decades at the club. It does feel like for both him and United that they need this fresh start. The issue is that how do you go about orchestrating that in the January window? United’s interest would be for a permanent sale but there doesn’t seem to be any club that can match that transfer valuation or wage demands that he commands. AC Milan are the team that have been hotly linked at the moment with a possible loan move until the end of the season. So much can change in the transfer window though. I do expect him to leave in January. He is more likely to leave than stay.”

Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford wants new challenge

Rashford recently himself said: “For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps. I've seen how other players have left in the past and I don't want to be that person. When I leave I'll make a statement and it will be from me.”

He added: "It's disheartening to be left out of a derby but it's happened, we won the game so let's move on. It's disappointing but I'm also someone as I've got older I can deal with setbacks. What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it. Or do my best the next time I'm available."

United drew 2-2 away at Liverpool at Anfield last time out but Rashford didn’t play. They are back in action this weekend against Arsenal in the FA Cup.