Most of us haven’t even gotten our New Year resolutions off the ground yet, but Marcus Rashford’s up against a resolution of a different kind: a showdown with Manchester United! The future of Rashford at Old Trafford might be as much in doubt as the VAR system on matchday after the speculation ratchets up.
AC Milan, with their charismatic advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic, reportedly want Rashford on their payroll. But Tottenham, Borussia Dortmund and Monaco (who are all lurking in the background like vultures waiting to swoop in) are not to be outdone.
What’s the Fuss About Rashford?
Before that, there’s one thing that needs to be said: the elephant in the room, or in this case the elephant on the bench. Not featuring in the League since last month’s 3-2 defeat at non-league Nottingham Forest, Rashford is a mystery man for United after spending the whole of last season out with hip and elbow injuries. Since then illness has kept him out of action and though he was back from the bench for a game against Newcastle he has not played since.
But Rashford is United’s second top scorer, behind only Ronaldo, who had 10, with seven in all competitions. Garnacho is leap ahead of him with eight and his own numbers aren’t unthinkable, but Rashford has been way out of the ascendency more than on the pitch of late.
AC Milan: Zlatan’s Favorite Candidate
It’s a race, it seems, with AC Milan leading the hunt for the England international. Zlatan Ibrahimović loves praising Rashford; the former United star and Milan legend isn’t shy about gushing his praises. In a recent interview, Zlatan remarked:
“Rashford? I know him well. Instead, he has done incredible things for Manchester United. All players want to put on the AC Milan jersey. Let’s see how this unfolds.”
So what if everyone hates you? If Zlatan believes in you, does it really matter what anyone else thinks? But Milan can only accommodate players outside of the EU in their slots, amounting to a potentially delicate deal.
Rashford:Loan Move or Full Transfer?
Rashford’s camp is currently in talks with United chiefs about the right options, Gazzetta dello Sport reports. A loan move until the end of the season could be a more realistic outcome; that this be a full transfer is still a little far away.
However, head coach Ruben Amorim doesn’t seem in any rush to bring Rashford back into the squad. In his case, the United and Rashford time clock is ticking; both United and Rashford need to get their next steps in place with the January transfer window wide open.
Rashford’s Social Media Mystery
Rashford then put the fire to the rumor by posting a video of himself training in the gym at United’s Carrington training ground using an exercise bike. Subtle flex? Cry for attention? Who knows? Obviously, Rashford’s future is a hot topic, and his cryptic social media posts are not helping fans decipher what’s going on.
Author’s Take
I’m no Zlatan, and I’d pack my bags if I were in Rashford’s shoes, but I’d try to learn Italian. When you think about scoring screamers in front of a roaring crowd, walking onto the pitch and scoring screamers, then having the best pizza of your life afterward, no, what’s not to love? On a more serious note, Rashford is too amazing to be on the bench. A move, temporary or permanent, could reignite his career and shut up his critics.
What Happens Next?
United have called a meeting with Rashford’s entourage today, and fans are in bits. What will he do, stay and fight for his place? Or will he wear the iconic red and black of Milan? One thing is for sure: this saga will not go away anytime soon and will attract headlines.
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