Rashford ‘ready for a new challenge’ away from Manchester United

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has revealed that he is ready to leave his boyhood club following his exclusion from the Manchester derby by manager Ruben Amorim.

Rashford, alongside team-mate Alejandro Garnacho, was left out of United’s squad for Sunday’s clash against Manchester City as Amorim made it clear he expects his players to meet certain “standards.”

The England international has faced growing criticism for his performances and attitude over the last 18 months, a stark contrast to his impressive 30-goal season under Erik ten Hag during the 2022-23 campaign.

Amorim’s bold call to omit Rashford and Garnacho ultimately paid off, with United coming from behind to secure a 2-1 victory over their rivals.

Following this decision, reports have surfaced suggesting Rashford could leave the club in 2025, with a potential loan move also being discussed.

In an interview with journalist Henry Winter, Rashford admitted he feels “ready for a new challenge.”

He said: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.

🚨 Marcus Rashford: “For me, personally, I’m ready for a NEW challenge and the next steps”, told @henrywinter.

“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Man United”.

“That’s me. I will always be a Red”. pic.twitter.com/KKtuXjohMJ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 17, 2024

“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.

“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 remain a “Red,” Rashford reaffirmed his loyalty, saying: “Yes! 100%. 100%.”

Reflecting on being left out of the derby, Rashford acknowledged it was a tough pill to swallow.

“It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby,” he admitted. “But it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on. It’s disappointing but I’m also someone 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.”

Despite recent struggles, Rashford remains confident in his ability to adapt to Amorim’s system, noting that while he can play in multiple positions, some roles come more naturally to him.

Marcus Rashford said he is ‘ready for a new challenge’ when asked if he could leave Man United 🗞 pic.twitter.com/HFHtr9Ibht

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 17, 2024

“I have traits to play in all three positions. Some positions are more natural to me, some positions I have to train more and do a bit more tactical (work). The left side suits me the best,” he explained.

“The left 10 still suits me but you have to adapt your game. The biggest skill-set is adaptability. People might not see it but eventually they’ll see I’ve played in plenty of different positions under all the managers.

“I’m halfway through my career. I don’t expect my peak to be now. I’ve had nine years so far in the Premier League and that’s taught me a lot, that’s helped me grow as a player and as a person.

“So 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 and sometimes bad things happen, sometimes good things happen. I just try and keep a fine balance. 100% [the best is yet to come]. That’s my mentality.”