Sir Jim Ratcliffe Has Reportedly Stated That He Is Unwilling To Entertain Discussions About Marcus Rashford Leaving In The Summer
Sir Jim Ratcliffe Has Reportedly Stated That He Is Unwilling To Entertain Discussions About Marcus Rashford Leaving In The Summer
Manchester United are reportedly adamant about rejecting offers for Marcus Rashford during this summer’s transfer window, despite the recent speculation surrounding the forward.
The 26-year-old signed a lucrative long-term contract at Old Trafford last summer after an impressive 2022-23 season, where he scored 30 goals and provided 11 assists in 56 appearances.
However, Rashford has struggled to replicate his best form for the Red Devils this season, managing only five goals and six assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.
There have been concerns over the England international’s demeanor this term, particularly after he was reportedly fined two weeks’ wages last month for attending a nightclub in Dublin on two occasions and then calling in sick for training ahead of his side’s FA Cup fixture against Newport County.
Paris Saint-Germain is rumored to have identified Rashford as their primary target to replace Kylian Mbappe, who is set to leave the club on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, there are reports suggesting that Arsenal is closely monitoring the situation in case Marcus Rashford, a product of the Red Devils academy, becomes available for transfer.
However, according to Football Insider, Manchester United, the 20-time English champions, are unwilling to entertain the idea of Rashford leaving the club during this summer’s transfer window.
The report indicates that new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to retain the Englishman at Old Trafford, considering him a pivotal part of the club’s future plans.
Despite Rashford managing only five goals and three assists in 24 Premier League appearances this season, he may now be deployed in a central role due to the absence of Rasmus Hojlund, who is expected to be sidelined for the next two to three weeks with a muscular injury.
“We have alternatives within our squad. Naturally, Rasmus’s absence is a setback. It’s disappointing that we can’t maintain the momentum with the trio upfront,” remarked Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag to MUTV.
“They’ve been complementing each other effectively recently, but I believe we have other attacking combinations that can also work well together and create opportunities. As I’ve mentioned, they all possess the ability to find the back of the net.”
While Rashford has frequently expressed his preference for playing on the left, Manchester United’s limited options in the center-forward position are likely to see him operate through the middle in Hojlund’s absence, beginning with Sunday’s Premier League encounter against Fulham.
The Englishman scored in three consecutive league matches against Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur, and Wolverhampton Wanderers from December 30 to February 1. However, he has since failed to find the net in matches against West Ham United, Aston Villa, and Luton Town.
