Man Utd’s £70m transfer pursuit sends clear Marcus Rashford message

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Robin Bairner | Chief Editor

Accredited football journalist and editor covering the game since 2006

Manchester United have made it plain that they are ready to give up on Marcus Rashford.

While the attacker will be welcomed back into Michael Carrick’s squad for pre-season when he returns from his summer break following the World Cup, the Old Trafford club have made it obvious that his ongoing presence at Old Trafford is a case of last resort for the Red Devils.

His extravagant wages were likely the reason that Barcelona elected not to make his loan deal permanent for €30 million, and they will likely be decisive in forcing Rashford out of his boyhood club.

Current ETV

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Man Utd

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Man Utd

€34.7M

ETV Range

€31.3M - €38.2M

View full profile

Finding a destination for the winger, though, is proving difficult.

Although there have been links with a move to the Saudi Pro League, Rashford is against this idea as he wants to remain in Europe and play for a big club.

These sides have so far been unwilling or unable to pay for him, though Roma and Tottenham both reportedly retain an interest.

Ndiaye linked with United

As for United, it’s clear they’d love Rashford to move on.

At Old Trafford, the hunt for his replacement is well underway, with Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye the latest player linked with a move to the Red Devils.

The Mirror reports that there is currently a £70 million battle developing between United and Saudi club Al-Hilal for the Senegal international star.

Although Ndiaye is a versatile attacker, the indications are that Carrick’s side specifically want the 26-year-old to play on the left wing.

Indeed, this area is described as a ‘priority’ for United in the transfer market, which is confirmation that they believe that Rashford is not seen as an optimal solution. Instead, United appear to grudgingly accept that attacker is adequate insurance if another deal is not possible.

Can United trust Rashford?

Former Man Utd full-back Paul Parker, who won two titles at the club, explained the club’s difficulty in backing Rashford.

He said: “The biggest thing is, how can he ever be trusted by his team-mates again? He wasn't doing his job properly but everyone allowed him to do it and now they have figured him out.

“Back in my time you would have been grabbed by one of the senior players and they would do something to you which you wouldn't find very funny.

“He has been given this small chance to come back again and honestly he has only been given this chance because of the fact that Barcelona didn't want him. They decided to spend more money on Anthony Gordon, which Rashford should be feeling embarrassed about. The moment they spent that much money on Gordon, he should be embarrassed.”

Rashford may well remain at United for next season – but only because he still has two years left to run on his contract. The Red Devils’ transfer action confirms that they believe there are more cost-effective options out there.