Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford appears poised to depart Old Trafford, with Pep Guardiola reportedly a long-time admirer of the 27-year-old. The England international’s future has been shrouded in uncertainty following his exclusion from Sunday’s derby win over Manchester City.
Rashford, who has admitted to being “ready for a new challenge,” has been the subject of speculation regarding his lifestyle and focus. New manager Ruben Amorim’s decision to drop the forward entirely for the crucial derby match has heightened concerns about Rashford’s future at the club.
The Times journalist Martin Samuel suggests that a potential transfer to Manchester City, United’s bitter rivals, cannot be ruled out. Guardiola, known for his tactical acumen, has allegedly “privately claimed he was the one player he would take from the club down the road.” City’s attacking options have been depleted following Julian Alvarez’s departure to Atletico Madrid, potentially creating an opportunity for Rashford.
In a recent interview with journalist Henry Winter, Rashford emphasized his commitment to Manchester United, stating, “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.” When asked if he would always be a Red, Rashford responded unequivocally, “Yes! 100%. 100%.”
Rashford’s impressive record against Manchester City, with five goals in 16 Premier League meetings, has only added fuel to the speculation surrounding his potential transfer. The January window is fast approaching, and Rashford’s future will undoubtedly dominate headlines in the coming weeks.
As Manchester United prepare to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, Rashford’s exclusion from the matchday squad has raised questions about his immediate prospects. The forward’s next move remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his departure from Old Trafford is increasingly likely.
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