11
It has been a disastrous season for last season’s Manchester United top scorer Marcus Rashford, with his off-field controversies weighing heavily as the forward struggled on the pitch.
After a season in which he scored a career-best 30 goals and subsequently earned a lucrative new five-year deal, manager Erik ten Haag must have expected similar form from the Mancunian.
But, as was often the case with the Englishman, his inconsistency and inability to work hard took center stage again and he scored a paltry eight goals in all competitions.
More than the meager number of goals, his lack of effort when he was off the ball annoyed his manager and fans alike. And then there are his off-field fouls.
A dismal season for Rashford
The 26-year-old was spotted enjoying himself after the Manchester derby defeat, as he called in sick to training after a 12-hour drinking binge in Belfast.
After that, the club was fined and warned by his club coach and the head of the national team, but his manifestations after that did not reduce the concern about his attitude.
Gareth Southgate even went so far as to leave him out of the Euro 2024 preliminary squad altogether, and Ten Hag could follow suit for the FA Cup final.
The new co-owners of INEOS, unlike the incompetent Glazers, are expected to be ruthless and open to selling Rashford if they receive a big offer.
Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with a move for Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, but his current form does not inspire confidence in the PSG ranks.
The Telegraph have now claimed that Chelsea, who are known for spending loads of money with little or no results under Todd Boehly, could swoop in for the United academy product and have been joined in the race by Tottenham Hotspur.
PL interest from unlikely sources
“It’s not like there’s a lack of interest. Paris St-Germain have been making overtures for a long time, with Nasser Al-Khelaifi, the French club’s president, hatching a plan to sign him after his impressive displays at the World Cup.
“Talks of a move to Chelsea are not letting up, while it remains possible Tottenham Hotspur could make a move if they ditch Richarlison.”
The Blues could afford his huge wages, but they are not the most patient and a typically inconsistent season could lead to another departure. As for Spurs, Daniel Levy paying over the odds for an out-of-form striker seems too good to be true.
Rashford still has the support of the majority of fans who have repeatedly condemned the abuse he receives. All they asked in return was to see the club’s boyish supporter work hard for the badge. Surely that’s not too much to ask?
Want to be the first to hear the latest Man United news? For handpicked, key updates, join our WhatsApp channel: https://bit.ly/United-Breaking-News.
