Marcus Rashford: Manchester United striker “ready for a new challenge” as exit links intensify | Football news

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has told journalist Henry Winter that he is “ready for a new challenge” amid rumors that INEOS ownership of the club has plans to cash in on the Carrington graduate.

Rashford, 27, was left out of Ruben Amorim’s squad for the weekend’s Manchester derby, which United won impressively 2-1, with the head coach in charge. It appears questionable His professionalism in training.

“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford, who has been at the club for almost 20 years, said. Winter said During a visit to his former elementary school on Tuesday.

“When I leave, I won’t have any negative feelings. If I know it’s already bad, I won’t 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 will make a statement and it will be from me.”

He added: “It is disappointing to be excluded from the derby match, but that is what happened, we won the match so let’s move on.

“It’s disappointing but I’m also someone who can handle setbacks as I get older. What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it. Or do my best next time I’m available.”

Sky Sports News Rashford was first reportedwho has scored seven goals in 24 games this season, was on a collision course with INEOS’ leadership and “clean culture” approach earlier this year, after he breached former coach Erik ten Hag’s rules for a third time in January.

Amorim, Ten Hag’s replacement, was also unimpressed with Rashford’s demands on the training pitch and his general behaviour, leading to him being dropped from the squad on Sunday.

When asked about the reason for Rashford’s absence, the coach confirmed: “It is important to say that it was not a disciplinary matter.”

“For me, what is important is the performance in training, the performance in the match, the way you dress, the way you eat, the way you relate to your teammates and push your teammates.”

Rashford’s professionalism has also been questioned Sky Sports Gary Neville recently after traveling to the US during the recent international break and was photographed watching an NBA game in New York.

The striker admits he feels “misunderstood” and has “no regrets” over the past nine years, while also hoping to return to the England national team before the 2026 World Cup under new coach Thomas Tuchel.

“Amorim’s comments indicate a parting of ways.”

Football journalist Henry Winter:

“Ruben Amorim’s comments after the derby were somewhat indicative of a parting of the ways. Obviously it will stir up emotions because Marcus Rashford grew up locally, is very talented, and has 60 caps for England. It will be a big story.”

“Sometimes parting causes a beautiful sadness, but sometimes it is a necessary sadness. I’m sure there will be a market – whether it’s in Spain or Italy – because it’s in that magical era of footballers where he still retains his athleticism but he’s got… A lot of experience.

“Amorim wants to play in a certain system and Rashford is adaptable, but reading today’s headlines it seems that Rashford is not part of those plans.”

Amorim tries to keep Rashford away

Sky Sports News Melissa Reidy:

With no market for Rashford, Amorim has been trying different approaches to get a tone from him. “For a long time, for example with Rush, you try something, and it doesn’t work,” he said. “Let’s keep doing the same thing? Or something different?”

Excluding the player from the squad against Manchester City has so far had the desired effect in raising the standards of the player’s training and behaviour.

Rashford posted a photo of United celebrating after Amad’s thrilling win with the caption “Yes! Love it guys” on social media. This was seen as a reference to Amorim’s comment that everything, including “interaction with teammates” would be taken into account when choosing the matchday squad.

Carragher: Rashford’s departure is inevitable

Jamie Carragher from Sky Sports:

“Most managers who come to the team want to send a message to the team about the standards of the football club. In some ways, it seems like a bigger decision than it actually is.

“I mean, is Marcus Rashford in the best squad? How good is he? We’re not talking about a world-famous star here. I actually think we talk about Marcus Rashford a lot, if I’m completely honest.

“He’s a good player, he’s not a great player, he was a really good player for Manchester United. It’s time for him to leave the club, but whether there will be any takers on player wages and things like that.” who knows.

“I just think parting ways is inevitable at some point, and I think for Manchester United and Rashford, the sooner it happens, the better.”