Marcus Rashford may not be a Manchester United player next season. The Englishman has spent his entire life at Old Trafford but is reportedly pondering his future in the coming summer. With his contract set to expire in 2023, the coming months could prove pivotal for him to decide his next destination.
The 24-year-old has had the worst season of his career in terms of goal contributions, with just five goals and two assists in 32 appearances across all competitions. As a result, Rashford has been strongly linked with a move during the next transfer window and United has reportedly slashed their asking price off the back of his poor form.
However, losing Rashford in the summer could be a massive blow, given his young age and potential. The winger is still one of the best talents in world football and has qualities which can be honed by other clubs if he moves on.
With that in mind, here are five possible transfer moves for Rashford if Ten Hag does not want to keep him –
#1 Arsenal
Arsenal are strongly linked in signing Rashford this summer
Arsenal has been the most strongly linked suitors for Rashford since reports first broke suggesting he may leave Old Trafford at the end of the season. The Gunners have been said to be plotting a move for the England winger despite failing to land a Champions League spot this season.
The Gunners are Europa League rivals to Manchester United this season and could be one of the favourites to win the trophy this season. The Emirates outfit is also likely to be on the lookout for a striker in the summer, following the sale of Pierre Emerick Aubameyang in January. Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah will also be out of their respective contracts by the end of the current campaign.
Hence, Rashford, who already has experience of playing amongst Europe’s elite and in England, could add a bit of spice to the Arsenal frontline. Further, Arsenal could now exact revenge by taking one of their rivals’ better players as the Red Devils did in the case of Robin Van Persie.
#2 Newcastle United
Newcastle United have transformed their season under Eddie Howe, moving clear of the relegation battle to end the season comfortably in mid-table. The club spent big in January following their Saudi-led takeover in October and is again expected to splash the cash in the summer as they look to deliver on their promise of European football.
Rashford could certainly be a target, especially if the English international is keen on leaving. The Magpies may have signed Chris Wood in January but lack a world-class centre-forward. The Manchester United academy graduate could fill that role if he plays to his potential at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle has always been a prestigious club and now has the financial backing to compete with the best in the business again. But they shall need top players to do so and Rashford is arguably one of the best English talents around.
#3 Barcelona
Barcelona could replace Rashford with Dembele and Traore
Following the news, earlier this season that Rashford was considering his United future due to his lack of minutes and inconsistent form, Barcelona, who themselves are in a period of transition has contacted him with regards to a move.
With loanee Adama Traore reportedly not making his move permanent and Ousmane Dembele also almost set to leave the club, a winger is set to be on Xavi’s shopping list this season, with Rashford understood to be a target for the Blaugrana.
He can play on either wing or through the centre as well. Moreover, he is of an appropriate age and can play for the better half of a decade for the Catalan giants.
#4 West Ham United
Rashford is not the first product of the United academy to fall down the pecking order after early success upon breaking into the first team. His team-mate Jesse Lingard found himself struggling for game time last season before a successful loan spell at West Ham United re-energised his career and earned him an England recall.
With minutes on the field a virtual guarantee in London, Lingard would be in search of what he wants after playing a minimal role at United. And an increased wage is likely to be offered if he enters contract negotiations with the Hammers, making them an extremely presentable option.
With the Hammers set to qualify for Europe once again this season, a move to the London Stadium in the summer could present the perfect option for Rashford to kickstart his career again.
#5 Paris Saint-Germain
Paris Saint-Germain is the definition of a “Super Club” in world football. The French giants have all the money in the world and possess the best superstars in the game. However, Neymar Jr., one of their biggest assets, could depart in the summer. If he decides to leave PSG, the Ligue 1 club is reportedly keen on replacing him with Rashford.
The Manchester United star can guarantee goals alongside quality teammates and also has a knack for scoring in the big games. The former aspect would be appealing to the Parisians as they have been on the chase for European glory for quite a while now.
Rashford may not be a goal-scoring freak at the moment but has the tools to become a big player for PSG if they decide to sign him in the future.