After nine years in the first team and having spent his entire career at Old Trafford, the 26-year-old appears to have hit his peak, suggesting a move to France could benefit everyone involved.
“After joining Manchester United at the age of seven, I was a boy with a dream,” Marcus Rashford reflected on Manchester United’s official website upon extending his contract for another five years last July. “The same passion, pride, and determination that fueled me then continues to drive me every time I wear the jersey. I am as determined as ever to win more trophies in the coming years. Being a lifelong United fan, I understand the responsibility of wearing this badge. I promise to give my all to help the team achieve the greatness we’re capable of.”
This contract made Rashford the top earner at Old Trafford, with a reported weekly wage of £370,000, acknowledging his landmark 30-goal season in the renowned red jersey. Under Erik ten Hag, Rashford seemed to be reaching his full potential, prompting United to once again adjust their wage structure to ensure his continued presence at the club.
However, merely eight months later, Rashford has not lived up to his commitment to the fans. With only five goals in 30 appearances in the 2023-24 season, he has significantly underperformed, casting a shadow over the player who once propelled United back into the top four.
Rashford’s stark downturn in form is not just a temporary setback. The England forward, who debuted for Manchester United nearly a decade ago, has been known for his inconsistent performance, often showing flashes of brilliance followed by extended periods of underwhelming play.
In reality, Rashford’s time as an indispensable asset to United seems to have run its course; he no longer commands the exceptional status once afforded to him as the club’s most tenured academy product. Coincidentally, Paris Saint-Germain is on the lookout for a new attacker as Kylian Mbappe appears to be moving closer to a Real Madrid switch, and Rashford is believed to be among their considerations.
Should PSG indeed make an official offer this summer, Manchester United would be wise to consider it seriously. Rashford’s diminishing performance is affecting his market value with each game. It’s a transition Rashford himself should be seeking, offering a fresh start and new challenges.
Observing Rashford in the season’s first half was a disheartening spectacle as he seemed almost determined to thwart Manchester United’s efforts, getting caught in possession, opting for ill-advised shots, or failing with basic passes. Amidst widespread criticism, Rashford bore the lion’s share, as the Red Devils’ performance dipped sharply in the Premier League and they were ousted from the Champions League.
Rashford’s season was further marred by disciplinary issues, prompting firm action from Ten Hag. Notably, Rashford was excluded from a FA Cup match against Newport County after he was found out in Belfast drinking, despite having called in sick. Nevertheless, his exclusion was brief; he was swiftly reinstated for a Premier League game against Wolves, with the club stating he had “taken responsibility” for his actions.
Moreover, after a night out in Manchester following a 3-0 defeat to City, Rashford was dropped for a Carabao Cup game against Newcastle. A similar situation occurred last season, with Rashford benched for a late arrival to a team meeting before a game against Wolves.
Considering how quickly Ten Hag has addressed similar issues within the team, notably with Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo, Rashford is fortunate to maintain a regular spot in the lineup. Despite Ten Hag’s reported frustration and disappointment, particularly over Rashford’s off-field antics, their relationship remains intact, with Ten Hag still backing Rashford’s talent.
However, Ten Hag’s leniency may prove problematic, as it seems Rashford may not amend his behavior. Manchester United legend Gary Neville has hinted that this might be part of Rashford’s evolving character, while his former teammate Roy Keane has been less forgiving, stressing on Sky Bet’s ‘Stick to Football’ podcast that Rashford needs to mature. “The penny has to drop for Rashford. You’re 26, an experienced member of the team,” Keane remarked. “It’s time to admit, ‘I’ve made mistakes’.”
Ten Hag’s decision paid off when Rashford found the net in United’s dramatic 4-3 win over Wolves on February 1. Rashford also played a crucial role on the left wing in subsequent wins against West Ham, Aston Villa, and Luton Town, contributing to United’s recent upturn in form. Now, just five points shy of the top four, United appears to be gaining momentum, yet doubts about Rashford’s overall contribution persist.
The revival has been driven by the exceptional performances of Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho, and Kobbie Mainoo, whose youthful exuberance and boldness have compensated for the team’s evident deficiencies, shifting the focus away from Rashford.
However, this reliance on individual talent is unsustainable for overcoming the league’s elite. This vulnerability is likely to be exposed in the upcoming clash with Manchester City on March 3. For United to stand a chance against the reigning champions, an all-out effort from start to finish is essential – an effort that seems unlikely with Rashford’s current level of play. A particularly telling moment came in a game against Luton, where Rashford’s lackadaisical approach to defending was highlighted as he allowed an opponent to bypass him easily, showing a lack of commitment with the match still undecided.
Given these circumstances, Rashford’s continued presence at United raises questions. His performance suggests a detachment from both the club’s ethos and Ten Hag’s vision. Considering this, one might wonder about the utility of Rashford remaining with United beyond this season.
PSG first showed interest in Rashford back in 2022, with a bid made that summer. Later, PSG President Nasser al-Khelaifi praised him as “an amazing player” during an interview with Sky Sports. At the time, PSG was considering Rashford for a potential free transfer, but he ultimately chose to renew his contract with Manchester United.
Despite Rashford’s recent struggles, United could still demand a significant transfer fee for him. They might even push PSG for an additional £10m to £20m, especially now that PSG urgently needs to bolster their attack.
The Times reports that once Mbappe’s hefty wages are off their payroll, PSG will have around £170m ($214m) available for new signings, with a large portion earmarked for a marquee forward. Victor Osimhen is another target, though Napoli’s asking price exceeds £100m ($126m), making Rashford a potentially more affordable option.
PSG’s football advisor, Luis Campos, has been a long-time admirer of Rashford and had even engaged in informal discussions with him two years ago. If Rashford is open to a move to Parc des Princes, it seems a deal could be easily facilitated.
Stepping into Mbappe’s role would significantly increase expectations for Rashford. Louis Saha, a former United forward, commented to Betfred on the challenge, noting that Rashford would face intense media scrutiny and pressure at PSG. Saha emphasized that Rashford would need to elevate his performance, score more goals, and contribute more to meet these high expectations, regardless of the shift in environment.
If Rashford has demonstrated the ability to net over 15 goals in a Premier League season, it’s plausible he could replicate or even exceed this performance in Ligue 1. While drawing parallels between Rashford and the World Cup-winning Mbappe might seem ambitious given Mbappe’s proven track record at the highest level, the French league’s environment could potentially boost Rashford’s statistics.
Mbappe has consistently exceeded 30 goals in PSG’s recent domestic seasons, with a remarkable 21 goals in just 20 games this term, a feat rivaled only by the likes of Ronaldo, Messi, and Haaland in recent times. Despite Mbappe’s undeniable talent and the significant investment PSG made in him, it remains to be seen if he can maintain this prolific scoring rate should he move to Madrid.
With Ligue 1 ranking fifth in UEFA’s coefficients, trailing significantly behind the Bundesliga and the Premier League, it underscores the gap between French football and Europe’s elite competitions. PSG’s solitary representation in the Champions League’s last-16 stages further illustrates this point.
Rashford, although not at Mbappe’s stature, could find the French league’s comparative defensive vulnerabilities advantageous. Under the guidance of Luis Enrique, a manager with a proven track record of managing high-profile players and their egos, Rashford might find a more consistent form. Enrique’s experience, notably greater than Ten Hag’s, could be key in unlocking Rashford’s potential on a more regular basis.
The potential transition of Rashford into Mbappe’s role at PSG carries a significant consideration. Throughout the current season, Mbappe has been utilized primarily as a central striker, a No.9, yet he retains his signature effectiveness when drifting in from the left flank. Mbappe’s adaptability to both positions without diminishing his goal-scoring prowess starkly contrasts with Rashford’s experiences at United. Forced into the striker role due to unsuccessful transfer pursuits, Rashford has managed to contribute goals but has openly expressed his discomfort with the position.
Rashford’s preference leans towards the left wing, as he shared on The Overlap, citing the challenge of staying mentally engaged as a central forward due to the sporadic nature of ball contact in that role. His admission points to a potential adjustment challenge in Ligue 1, where his focus and patience as a central figure might be less tested but still crucial.
PSG, considering Rashford for the Champions League, might find his adaptation as a leading striker a risky move. The logical approach could involve bringing in another striker to share the burden, placing Rashford in his preferred left-wing position. However, this shift would introduce him to direct competition with Bradley Barcola, the young talent who has emerged impressively from PSG’s recent acquisitions, highlighting the strategic decisions facing PSG in their forward line restructuring.
The struggles of Randal Kolo Muani and Ousmane Dembele in their first season at PSG provide important lessons for Rashford. Despite Kolo Muani’s impressive performance in the Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt and Dembele’s critical role in Barcelona’s La Liga triumph, their transitions to PSG have been underwhelming. This suggests that success in Paris for Rashford is not guaranteed and hinges significantly on his mental readiness, which has been lacking during his recent time at United. A change of scenery could potentially rejuvenate Rashford as he enters the prime years of his career.
Chris Sutton, speaking to the Daily Mail, characterized Rashford as appearing “tormented” and in need of a new challenge to escape his current rut at United. “He seems to be meandering along… I don’t think he’s working hard enough,” Sutton noted, advocating for Rashford’s move for a fresh start.
Once unthinkable, the idea of Rashford departing Old Trafford is now supported by a majority of United fans, with surveys from United We Stand and Reissued revealing 75 percent in favor of selling him. This shift comes as United aims for a resurgence under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ minority ownership, emphasizing the need for complete commitment from all players to the club’s new direction. Rashford, perceived as shirking responsibility, is increasingly seen as unsuitable for this new era at the club.