Manchester United is reportedly open to offers for Marcus Rashford following a breakdown in his relationship with manager Erik ten Hag. The future of the manager was once tied to the Red Devils forward, but now that Ten Hag is staying, the club is looking to cash in on Rashford, who was one of United’s brightest stars. They are seeking £80 million for Rashford but may have to settle for around £60 million due to his drop in form last season.
The strained relationship between Rashford and Ten Hag reached a breaking point when Rashford defied the manager by partying until the early hours in Belfast when he was supposed to train at Carrington later that day. This incident came after Ten Hag had already warned Rashford about his off-field conduct following a night out after a derby defeat to Manchester City. The situation worsened when Rashford was out until the early hours of the morning ahead of an FA Cup tie at Newport, causing him to miss training and ultimately be axed from the squad. This series of events shattered their relationship.
Rashford had hoped for a fresh start when it seemed like Ten Hag would be leaving the club. However, Ten Hag’s success in guiding the team to a shock FA Cup final victory over Manchester City resulted in a change of plans, with new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe deciding to retain Ten Hag. As a result, Rashford went from scoring a career-best 30 goals in the 2022-23 season to just eight goals last season. His drop in form led to him losing his automatic starting spot and a place in the England squad for Euro 2024.
Now, Rashford’s future at Manchester United looks uncertain unless he can have successful clear-the-air talks with Ten Hag. The club is already looking to line up new players, with Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt rumored to be their first signing for £40 million. Ten Hag has previously worked with de Ligt at Ajax, making him a natural fit for the team.
However, it’s not just on the field where changes are happening at Manchester United. Off the field, Sir Jim Ratcliffe is making staff cuts, with around a quarter of the club’s workforce set to be made redundant. This restructuring indicates a shift in priorities and a focus on streamlining operations.
In conclusion, Marcus Rashford’s relationship with Erik ten Hag has deteriorated, leading Manchester United to consider offers for the forward. Rashford’s drop in form and off-field conduct have strained his relationship with Ten Hag, and with the manager staying at the club, Rashford’s future looks uncertain. Manchester United is already planning for new signings, including Matthijs de Ligt, while off the field, the club is undergoing staff cuts to streamline operations. The future of Manchester United, both on and off the field, remains uncertain as they navigate these changes.