Manchester United icon Roy Keane believes it’s time for Marcus Rashford to leave Old Trafford in search of a fresh start.
Reports suggest United are open to offers for the 27-year-old forward ahead of the January transfer window.
A product of the club’s esteemed academy, Rashford has made over 400 appearances for the Red Devils since breaking into the first team nearly a decade ago.
While he initially flourished under Erik ten Hag, netting 30 goals in all competitions during the 2022-23 season, his form has drastically dipped. Last season, he managed just eight goals and continues to struggle this term.
When new manager Ruben Amorim took over, Rashford seemed poised for a resurgence, scoring three goals in Amorim’s first two matches.
However, his form quickly waned, leading to his exclusion from the starting XI and the squad altogether for Sunday’s Manchester derby.
Amorim attributed the decision to poor performances in training, a move that also sidelined Alejandro Garnacho.
Despite Rashford’s absence, Amorim’s gamble paid off. United scored two late goals to secure a dramatic comeback victory over Manchester City at the Etihad.
Substitute Diallo won a penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes and then scored a last-minute winner.
Speaking ahead of the derby, Keane told Sky Sports, “It doesn’t look good for Marcus. Sometimes, a player needs a fresh start, and a move could benefit him.
He’s been at the club a long time, and when your attitude isn’t right, it’s better to part ways.”
While Rashford reportedly prefers a move abroad, Amorim is set to give him and Garnacho a clean slate ahead of Thursday’s crucial Carabao Cup quarter-final against Tottenham.
Reflecting on the derby win, Amorim expressed pride in his team’s resilience. “It was incredible. We deserved this victory.
The players believed until the very end, and the fans needed this. But we must continue improving,” he said.
Despite the win, Manchester United remain 13th in the Premier League, while City’s loss sees them slip to fifth, nine points adrift of leaders Liverpool.