After a Manchester United career that has spanned more than two decades, including nine years as a professional in the club’s first team, Marcus Rashford is set to leave Old Trafford.
Making his debut as an 18-year-old, the England international has gone on to rack up 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club across all competitions while winning six trophies including a UEFA Europa League trophy. In that time, he has also racked up 60 England caps in which he has scored 17 goals.
He has also gone on to become a community leader thanks to his charitable endeavors, which focus on ending hunger among children and providing healthcare and developmental opportunities for them.
In that time, however, he has also courted controversy with many reports making claims of his unprofessionalism and lack of application to the team’s goals.
All of these look to have finally convinced the lifelong Manchester United fans to decide against continuing at the club just as he is about to hit a decade.
Speaking in a recent interview, Rashford admitted that things are bad for him at the club and it was time he found a new challenge. He also promised to let the fans know ahead of time when he decides on his next move, which is expected to happen on or before the summer 2025 transfer window closes.
“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse,” the 27-year-old told journalist Henry Winter during a visit to his old primary school, Button Lane, to hand out Christmas presents. “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.”
“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. That’s me as a person.”
Ruben Amorim, meanwhile, has reacted to the player’s comments by pointing out that the club is leaning more towards Rashford’s continuity than his exit, despite relegating him to a bit-part role in the last two match weeks.
“I don’t talk about the future, we talk about the present,” the United boss said. “This kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.”
Asked about Rashford’s desire for a “new challenge”, Amorim said: “I think it’s right. We have here a new challenge, it’s a tough one.
“For me it’s the biggest challenge in football because we are in a difficult situation and I already said this is one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“I really hope all my players are ready for this new challenge.”
