"Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United hangs in the balance as reports emerge that the England star is intensifying efforts to secure a January exit. With his Red Devils career seemingly stalled, Rashford is reportedly eager to answer an SOS from a top-tier suitor, sparking a potential transfer tug-of-war. As the January window prepares to swing open, we examine the latest developments surrounding Rashford's increasingly uncertain Old Trafford fate."
Marcus Rashford, who was not used as a substitute against Newcastle United on Monday, has allegedly "stepped up" his attempts to quit Manchester United this month. Under new Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, Rashford has been left out in the cold.
The England international hasn't featured since the Europa League encounter against Viktoria Plzen on December 12, although he started and scored in Amorim's debut game as manager of Ipswich Town. Three days later, against Manchester City, he was left out of the matchday squad for the first time.
Rashford didn't rejoin the matchday squad until Monday night against the Magpies after it was discovered that his attitude and training methods were the cause of his absence.
The 27-year-old was a wasted substitute, which may be interpreted as Amorim making yet another message in light of his team's awful on-field performance.
A loan agreement looks far more possible in the middle of the season, but Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe appears determined to get rid of Rashford and his £350,000 weekly salary this month.
In addition to his salary, Rashford is reportedly demanding about £50 million, which will make a January sale extremely challenging.
The club will strive to make it happen, and Rashford appears to be making a concerted effort to leave Old Trafford this month.
The Sun claims that after "holding talks with an agency," the England attacker has "stepped up his bid to quit Man Utd." Rashford is, in fact, "in talks with leading sports agency Stellar in hopes of landing a move this month.
"According to the source, a January sale would significantly increase Manchester United's chances of strengthening their team with new arrivals during the winter transfer window. Nuno Mendes, a left-back for Paris Saint-Germain, is a "prime target.
"Before his high-profile move to PSG in July 2022, Amorim collaborated with Mendes at Sporting.
Given that his new players are having trouble adjusting to Amorim's 3-4-2-1 formation, the 22-year-old might be the ideal left-wing-back. Mendes, who is reportedly worth £45 million, is "keen to answer an SOS from his former boss."
The French champions may be willing to trade him this month because he has 18 months left on his contract; however, United would only be able to purchase if they were able to remove players. Given the Premier League's profit and sustainability regulations, Rashford's sale for pure profit is a blessing.
Amorim stated last week that the club's current financial situation prevents them from making a purchase this month, despite the fact that this would significantly increase the Red Devils' prospects of acquiring new players.
"That is not an option for January," he stated.
" It's not true that I can change the team for a lot of money.
The fact that Manchester United gave £180 million to a manager they intended to replace at the end of the previous season just months before firing him seems almost unjustified.