Marcus Rashford is one of the most iconic names in recent years at Manchester United, he is living on very uncertain grounds. A striker who for many years was a symbol of the club and the community around it might be close to leaving.
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The fall of an untouchable
A product of United's academy, Rashford won over fans with his skill, dedication, and his off-field efforts that go far beyond soccer. But this season has exposed clear cracks in his relationship with the club.
Under manager Rúben Amorim, Rashford has been frozen out. For many, the breaking point was his incendiary interview before the Manchester City derby. While stating his desire for a "new challenge" merely put him in the shop window of Europe's elite, it also shook some internal cages at United. The fallout was exclusion from the derby and other key matches, meaning that his stock has dropped dramatically at the club.
The burden of his salary and Financial Fair Play
Probably the biggest hurdle to Rashford's possible departure is his salary. At £325,000 per week, he is among the best-paid players in the Premier League. That puts him in a global elite that is a significant barrier to any club considering his transfer.
Manchester United is struggling on the financial level, too. Their losses, put at £312.9m over the last three campaigns, mean wage reductions are called for if it has to comply with the Premier League Financial Fair Play requirements. While one could say Rashford will be of indispensable value, keeping him at that rate becomes simply unsustainable.
The Telegraph and Daily Mail say United wants to loan or sell players in the next months, and Rashford is one of the names which would free up a remarkable amount of money. However, the forward's long-term contract, until 2028, complicates any move, especially permanent ones.
Options on the table
Interest from clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and Milan shows that Rashford is still considered a class act. A close relationship between United and Dortmund-boosted recently by the return of Jadon Sancho to the German club-could also help smooth a transfer. Meanwhile, Italian clubs are keen to add to their squads in competitive Serie A and European campaigns.
For Milan, signing Rashford would require financial aid to pay his salary. The forward has already rejected Saudi Arabian clubs' offers of a nine-figure salary, so it's clear that he values playing in one of the top leagues in the world over a big payday.
A legacy decision
He's now at the crossroads in his career: Should Rashford continue playing for Manchester United, his family and respected house, or is a fresh start in search of more minutes on the pitch exactly what he needs?
A transfer to a competitive European club could mean the rekindling of his career for the player. But it would have to be at the expense of a 20-year history with United, which started at its youth academy. A decision that will not only define his journey ahead but also the future of the club while balancing the books and looking at avenues anew.
United's future without Rashford
For Manchester United, the departure of Rashford could prove to be both a loss and an opportunity. He would be the departure of a player who has come to symbolize its identity and relationship with its academy. On the other hand, his departure would free up space in the budget to invest in reinforcements and find financial stability.
However, the decision to part ways with Rashford is not strictly an economic one. It also has to do with how the club manages its icons and what ramifications this decision may have on the fanbase. The departure of such a deeply connected player needs to be handled with care in order to avoid backlash during an already turbulent period.