Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes that Marcus Rashford is becoming increasingly likely to leave the club in the upcoming transfer window.
Having been left out of Man United’s last three matchday squads, it’s clear that manager Ruben Amorim has lost faith in the winger’s ability to lift his team to victory.
In fact, Amorim has hinted that Rashford may yet again be omitted from the team when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers on Boxing Day.
Previously, Amorim criticised the behaviour of Rashford’s entourage, particularly after the player expressed his willingness to leave United.
Following a recent report claiming that Rashford has lost the dressing room following his controversial comments, Neville is convinced that the player has reached a point of no return.
“Marcus Rashford’s absence isn’t really a surprise any more. It’s something of the norm,” Neville noted on Sky Sports. “You leave him out for three matches on the bounce; something really is going wrong or has gone wrong.”
“It’s not looking great for both Marcus’ future at the club or Manchester United keeping him. I suspect it’s getting to the point in the journey where there is an inevitable ending,” the former United captain continued.
“If you’d said to me seven or eight days ago whether Rashford could leave in January, I’d say no chance,” Neville admitted.
“One thing in the past with players at a big club, if you’re talking to me about it every single week, it becomes a distraction for the manager and the focal point of the press conference. That’s when it does become obvious they have to leave.”
“It’ll probably work for both parties. There’s good examples of players who have struggled at Man Utd and gone on to do better elsewhere – Jadon Sancho at Chelsea, Scott McTominay didn’t struggle, but he’s doing well at Napoli. Marcus might think that’s the right thing for him as well.”
Neville’s suggestion about Rashford’s situation becoming a distraction is relevant, especially with INEOS expected to back Amorim should he decide to axe the England international.
With the end of Rashford’s United career already appearing to be a possibility, the vultures are already circling, with Jose Mourinho reportedly preparing to lure him to Fenerbache.
As was the case with other problem players such as Mason Greenwood and Jadon Sancho, parting ways always became a necessity, especially given the way their negative behaviour sours relationships within the club while drawing bad press. Should Neville’s instincts prove correct, it may be for the best, as no amount of talent is worth allowing a toxic environment to persist.
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Mathew Cohen
A faithful Manchester United supporter, Mathew has worked as a football writer and analyst for SB Nation, FanSided, and now The Peoples Person. Mathew’s heroes include David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Sir Alex Ferguson, all of whom played their part in creating some special childhood memories.
