Marcus Rashford has sent shockwaves through Manchester United after announcing his intention to leave the club.
The 27-year-old has been associated with the Red Devils for two decades after coming through the club’s youth ranks.
However, in an interview with journalist Henry Winter, the England international made it clear he was ready for a new challenge, paving the way for a stunning summer exit.
Rashford has been a standout performer for United since making his first-team debut, but his form has plummetted over the past 18 months.
Just two seasons ago, Rashford was touted as a ‘world-class‘ player after smashing a career-high 30 goals in 56 appearances across all competitions.
But he has struggled to recapture his best form in a well-documented fall from grace that has attracted plenty of criticism – largely from the United fan base.
Rashford has lost his place in the United starting line-up and was recently dropped from the match-day squad for the Manchester derby, which appears to be the final straw for the versatile striker.
“It’s disheartening to be left out of a Derby,” Rashford said. “But it’s happened, we won the game, so let’s move on.
On potentially leaving his boyhood club in the near future, Rashford added: “I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.
“When I leave, it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.
“If I know that a situation is already bad, I’m not going to 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’ll make a statement, and it will be from me.”
INEOS have already made it clear that they could cash in on Rashford if they received a reasonable offer, although it’s unclear how much United will demand for him.
Rashford has previously been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, while he has also hinted at a possible move to Spain.
He also shut down talks of a potential move to the Saudi Pro League amid interest from Al-Ittihad, so it is unclear how this transfer saga will play out.
