Marcus Rashford has reportedly requested a January departure from Manchester United, with three possible destinations under consideration, including a surprising option within the Premier League.
The 26-year-old forward has seen a notable dip in form, scoring just eight goals and recording four assists across his last 41 league games, a stark contrast to his impressive 2022/23 campaign where he netted 17 goals and added five assists.
According to a report from Spanish outlet Nacional, Rashford is reportedly frustrated with what he perceives as a lack of a “stable and ambitious project” at Old Trafford. Disappointed by the team’s direction, he is said to have asked his agent to explore potential transfer options in the upcoming January window.
The clubs reportedly eyeing Rashford’s signature include Aston Villa, Napoli, and Marseille. Among these, a move to Aston Villa would be the most surprising choice, given Villa’s modest history compared to Rashford’s profile.
However, Villa has shown substantial improvement under the leadership of Unai Emery, even positioning themselves as a competitive force in the restructured Champions League. Villa’s recent success might make them an appealing option for Rashford if he’s open to staying in the Premier League.
However, it’s Napoli that reportedly has the strongest chance of securing the forward, with the Serie A leaders able to offer the opportunity to join some familiar faces. If Rashford were to sign with Napoli, he would reunite with former United teammates Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku.
The Italian club’s manager, Antonio Conte, is said to be enthusiastic about adding Rashford to the squad, believing that his skillset would complement Napoli’s current lineup. Given Napoli’s success, topping Serie A, a move to Italy could give Rashford the chance to compete for league titles and reignite his career.
The third option, Marseille, is the least likely of the three due to the club’s financial limitations, which may hinder their ability to meet United’s asking price for Rashford.
However, a transfer to Marseille would reunite him with former United winger Mason Greenwood, adding a familiar face in the dressing room. Despite these potential benefits, financial constraints make Marseille a long shot for Rashford’s transfer.
Though the source of this report is uncertain, TEAMtalk insider Fraser Gillan has corroborated the notion that a Rashford departure could be plausible by January 2025 if not sooner.
In addition, European giants like Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are rumored to be interested in signing the English star if the opportunity arises. United has yet to make any official decision regarding Rashford’s future.
Meanwhile, Manchester United is reportedly aiming to disrupt Real Madrid’s interest in Alphonso Davies. With Davies entering the final year of his contract, United may consider making a bid for the player.
Additionally, United is contemplating a possible loan exit for Antony in January, with a return to Ajax on the table, while they also keep an eye on teenage Sporting CP forward Geovany Quenda as a potential acquisition.
