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

Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has revealed he is ready to leave his boyhood club after being ruled out of the Manchester derby by manager Ruben Amorim.

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

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

Amorim’s brave call to leave out Rashford and Garnacho ultimately paid off, with United coming from behind to secure a 2-1 win over their rivals.

Following this decision, reports emerged suggesting that Rashford could leave the club in 2025, with a potential loan move also mooted.

In an interview with journalist Henry Winter, Rashford admitted that 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”, he said @henrywinter.

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

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

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) December 17, 2024

“When I leave it will be ‘no hard feelings’. You will not get any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.

“If I know that a situation is already bad I will not 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.”

When asked if he will always remain a “Red,” Rashford reaffirmed his loyalty, saying: “Yes! 100% 100%.”

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

“It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby,” he admitted. “But it happened, we won the game so let’s continue. It’s disappointing but I’m also someone as I’m getting older I can handle setbacks. What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it. Or I’ll 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 a variety of 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 characteristics to play in all three positions. Some positions are more natural for me, some positions I have to train more and do a little more tactical (work). The left side suits me 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 will see that I have played in many different positions under all managers.

“I’m in the middle of my career. I don’t expect my peak to be now. So far I have had nine years in the Premier League and this has taught me a lot, this has helped me grow as a player and as a person.

“Therefore I have no 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 try and keep a good balance. 100% (the best is yet to come). That’s my mentality.”