Irrespective of the manager at the helm, the situation remains unchanged. Marcus Rashford, despite a commendable 2022/23 season, has struggled to make a significant impact in the current Premier League campaign, finding the back of the net only four times in twenty matches.
Recent events unfolded when sources revealed Rashford’s presence at a party in Belfast on Thursday, leading to his absence from Friday’s training session. Consequently, Erik ten Hag excluded him from the squad for Sunday’s FA Cup triumph against Newport County.
This week, the 26-year-old faced negative publicity due to his omission from the squad, attributed to his off-field actions. Manchester United addressed the matter in a late Monday night statement, acknowledging Rashford’s acceptance of responsibility. The club treated the incident as an internal disciplinary matter, now considered resolved. However, the extent of any additional repercussions for Rashford remains uncertain.
Despite challenges on and off the field, Rashford continues to attract interest from prominent European clubs. Last year, Paris Saint-Germain was rumored to pursue the English striker, prompting Manchester United to reject a reported £120 million transfer bid for their academy graduate.
Rashford concluded the previous season with impressive statistics, notching 30 goals and 11 assists in 56 appearances across all competitions. His commitment to the club was further solidified with a new five-year contract in the summer, reportedly worth £325,000 per week.
Should Manchester United consider parting ways with Rashford, potential suitors might need to surpass the initial £120 million asking price, considering the striker’s contract extends beyond four years.
Reflecting on historical transfers, such as Arsenal’s £105 million payment for Declan Rice in 2017, Rashford has the potential to surpass these figures, especially if Real Madrid’s deal for Jude Bellingham, rumored to reach £114 million with add-ons, is taken into account.
However, Rashford’s market valuation has seen a decline to €100 million (£86 million) in the past six months, attributed to a notable dip in performance, according to The CIES Football Observatory.
Regardless of any potential contract extensions, Rashford’s future is poised to dominate headlines throughout the remainder of the season and into the upcoming summer, generating considerable speculation and interest in the football world.
