MARCUS RASHFORD has admitted he is ready to leave Manchester United and take on a “new challenge”.
Rashford was left out of the squad for Sunday’s Manchester derby by Ruben Amorim, although the head coach insisted there were no disciplinary issues behind his decision.
In an interview with journalist Henry Winter on X, Rashford said: “For me, personally, 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.”
Asked about his decision to leave Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of Sunday’s squad following a dramatic 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium, Amorim said: “It is important to say it was not a disciplinary thing.
“Next week, next game, new life and they are fighting for the places.
“For me what is important is the performance in training, the performance in game, the way you dress, the way you eat, the way you engage with team-mates and push team-mates.”
Speaking to Winter during a visit to his former primary school, Rashford admitted: “It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.
“It’s disappointing, but I’m also someone as I’ve got older, I can deal with setbacks. What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it? Or do my best the next time I’m available.”
Rashford’s professionalism was questioned by former United defender Gary Neville after the former flew to the United States during the recent international break and was pictured watching an NBA game in New York.
The 27-year-old admits he feels “misunderstood” and has “no regrets” from the last nine years, while he also harbours hopes of a return to the England fold ahead of the 2026 World Cup under new manager Thomas Tuchel.
Rashford was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for this summer’s European Championship in Germany, where England reached the final before losing to Spain.
The PA news agency understands the interview came as a surprise to Manchester United.
Amorim is set to address Rashford’s comments at his pre-match press conference at 9am on Wednesday.
A new challenge….like running, maybe?
@ecrowley ecrowley: Hey now c’mon…running in training like Ten Hag was trying to het him to do is a bit much!
What next, don’t go on the piss the nite before a game!?
@damien leen: If a fella can’t spend a few quid on champagne every night what’s the point earning as much money as Rashford does.
The new manager called him out. 2 options,1 work hard ,prove him wrong. 2 – run and prove him right
Shame. Scored well over a hundred goals for his boyhood club and won a few trophies. The relationship has broken down though so prob best to end it. Maybe a move abroad?
Maybe rashford won’t have any bad words about united but I’m sure some united fans could have bad words for him. He always seems to play the victim rather than taking the criticism on the chin.
@Paul Mallon: if he thought what the fans think is an issue he’d be back on form a year ago.
Hard to see many clubs willing to take him at £325k a week, he might leave on loan but he’ll most likely be on Utd’s books till 2028
No one will take him on 350k a week salary
Love Rashford. Was great for Utd. But last year or so he’s definitely been off. Whether it’s mental or attitude I don’t know but think for him he should leave. While he scored goals his contribution during games has been terrible. There’s also a definite attack on him from some ‘fan’ accounts(and use that term loosely) and the media. Go to Spain or Italy and enjoy the rest of his career.
@Cormac: wouldn’t say he was great cormoc apart from the 1 season..I think its good for both parties they end ways..no team in Spain or Italy will pay that wage. Most likely psg..hel go down as a good player for utd not great in the same conversation as Rooney,Cantona,best,law,Charlton etc..all the best to him he knows he’s days are numbered under amorim..
@Paully kells: maybe not up there with those you mention but was still great (prob produced great moment while not being great). Will be fondly remembered by Utd fans tho. Scored great goals. But ya he’ll have to take a pay cut to move. Hope he doesn’t go to Saudi or anything like that
@Cormac: ah yeah fondly remembered utd through and through like hes buddy lingard lost he’s way..actually respect amriom alot more what he’s doing and will do…leak garnacho could be next if he doesn’t change he’s ways..
Being stealing a living for the past 3 yrs, Ruben clearly doesn’t fancy him,wish him all the best for some brilliant performances and special moments but the time is right to part ways
@Declan O Connor: 3 yrs? Scored 30 2 seasons ago.
Newcastle or west ham. that’s about his level.
@Niall English: wouldn’t have at Bohs. Wouldn’t give him 350 euro a week never mind 350 grand
Not a UTD supporter, but always liked the lad. His activism during COVID regarding food poverty should be applauded – his actions then clearly marked his card with some of the more right-wing news outlets in the UK, as they’ve hounded him ever since. I wish him the best in future with a less high profile club than UTD….he may prove all the doubters wrong with a stable management guiding him, rather than the ongoing circus at OT.
Will probably get his wish for a new challenge in January after being foolish enough to do that interview.
@Richard Murphy: that’s not foolish,selfish yes
What a waster. P1$$ off…
What could he have achieved if he had roy keanes hunger…classic George best scenario…marcus, you’ve 30 million in the bank…where did it all go wrong?…new boss in town who will weed out non enthusiasts…half of the united squad are nervous….interesting time at united…with 3 minutes left on Sunday i felt it was another bad day but they were playing really decently….they’re not 99ers now but there maybe shoots of recovery…they could flop next weekend as easy…if they started believing more in themselves…they’ll gather momentum at worst
Utd seem to be jinxed with forwards. Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Jason Sancho, Antony Martial – all expected to be superstars for many years at Utd, all pretty much gone already
Best of luck to him. The most abused player in world football, then clown “journalists” act surprised that he doesn’t look like he’s enjoying himself.
Be sad to see him go and there is something not right with the lad. Attitude or mental health issues but he looks like the weight of the world is on his shoulders when he plays. He has loads of ability but as they say work rate and attitude beats ability every day. Thanks for the memories
@Dessie: almost like being abused 24/7 isn’t great for a players confidence