According to a stunning rumour, Manchester United is ready to let go of Marcus Rashford as early as January and has even gotten in touch with Barcelona regarding a possible blockbuster trade.
Last term, 26-year-old Rashford had the best season of his career. After the World Cup break, the forward scored a career-high 30 goals in all competitions and was practically unplayable.
On July 18, Rashford was rewarded with an enhanced deal that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2028.
But the United player’s form has drastically declined this season, raising concerns about his work ethic.
Roy Keane and Jamie Carragher, two prominent figures on Sky Sports, have drawn attention to Rashford. Erik ten Hag, the manager, has refuted any allegations that Rashford or any of his teammates have dropped the ball.
“We are not robots; if you play three games in six days, tough games, and by the end the fatigue can be an issue, never an excuse but it is there,” Ten Hag said in a press conference on Tuesday. “But against Galatasaray against Everton we played very well, and against Newcastle we were not happy with our performance.”
“The players are the first to say that we are because they are so critical of themselves.”
But a shocking allegation out of Spain claims that Manchester United has benched Rashford.
Man Utd to swap Rashford with Raphinha?
It’s astonishing to hear that Rashford “is in several pools to pack his bags,” as reported by Caught Offside. Put another way, he’s one of the many Manchester United players the team is willing to let go of next month.
Both Donny van de Beek and Jadon Sancho are anticipated to make way in the January window. In addition, Casemiro and Raphael Varane might leave the team early if high enough bids are made.
The idea that Rashford and Raphinha would switch positions at Barcelona is then promoted by the report. Regarding that front, there has apparently already been “one contact” regarding what would undoubtedly be a surprise move.
Barcelona is reportedly willing to move Rapha in light of the rise of rookie player Lamine Yamal.
Raphinha, a former winger for Leeds United, signed a dream deal to play for Barcelona in 2022, but this season he has been reduced to a supporting position.
In just 14 appearances this season, he has played 584 minutes. However, the article reiterates how well-liked the 26-year-old is still in England due to his outstanding time with Leeds.
On the one hand, given United’s struggles to accommodate Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho into the same eleven, a Raphinha-Rashford swap could make sense.
Being right-footed, both players much like to cut in from the left wing. Raphinha in place of Rashford would allow Erik ten Hag to compete with Antony on the right side and allow Garnacho to establish himself as the regular left-wing starter.
Even yet, it does seem quite unlikely that a trade would occur, and it’s crucial to remember that the Spanish publication in question isn’t exactly renowned for its dependability on transfer rumours.
There isn’t any other hint in the media that Rashford wants to quit United or his childhood team.
In addition, Barcelona has a history of financial issues, so it would be tough for them to absorb Rashford’s enormous wage, which is estimated to be more than £300,000 per week.
