Rashford hints at Man United exit, eyes ‘new challenge’

Marcus Rashford has hinted at a possible departure from Manchester United, admitting that he is prepared for a new chapter in his career.

The 27-year-old forward, who has spent his entire professional journey at Old Trafford, shared his thoughts in an interview with The Times journalist Henry Winter during a visit to his old primary school, Button Lane, where he was handing out Christmas presents.

“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford revealed, indicating his desire to explore opportunities beyond the club that nurtured him from the age of seven.

Despite this, Rashford stressed that his exit would be without bitterness. “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.”

Rashford acknowledged the emotional weight of such a decision but emphasised his commitment to maintaining professionalism.

“If I know that a situation is already bad, I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past, and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”

When asked whether he would always consider himself a Red, the England international was emphatic.
“Yes! 100 per cent. 100 per cent,” he said.

Rashford’s comments come amid reports that United manager Ruben Amorim left him out of the squad for Sunday’s 2-1 victory against Manchester City.

Addressing his exclusion, Rashford said, “It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it’s happened. We won the game, so let’s move on. It’s disappointing, but as I’ve got older, I can deal with setbacks.

“What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it, or do my best the next time I’m available?”

Having reached a career-high 30 goals during the 2022-23 season, Rashford’s form has dipped over the last 18 months, despite signing a long-term contract with the club.

Speculation about his next move has linked him to European giants like Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona.

Reflecting on his career so far, Rashford said, “I’ve had nine years so far in the Premier League, and that’s taught me a lot. It’s helped me grow as a player and as a person. I don’t have any regrets from the last nine years.

“I won’t have any regrets going forward because I take things day by day. Sometimes bad things happen, sometimes good things happen. I just try to keep a fine balance.”

Rashford also expressed excitement about representing England in the future, particularly at the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

“I’m halfway through my career. I don’t expect my peak to be now. [The World Cup] still excites me. It’s playing for your country in the biggest competition in the world. I’ve had the chance to do it before, and it’s an unbelievable experience. If I got the opportunity again, I’ll try to grab it with both hands,” he said.

Rashford will be hoping to feature in United’s upcoming Carabao Cup quarter-final against Tottenham on Thursday, as his future at Old Trafford continues to be a hot topic of discussion.