Marcus Rashford takes step closer to Manchester United exit after agency talks

01/01/2025 05:23 AM

Marcus Rashford has held talks with potential new representatives as he steps up his bid to leave Manchester United.

The England international has found himself pushed down the pecking order under new Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim in a turbulent time for both player and club.

The forward was left out of the squad for the Manchester derby in December, the first of four straight matchday squads he did not appear in.

The 27-year-old returned against Newcastle United on Monday night but was an unused substitute in the 2-0 loss at Old Trafford.

Amid is exile from first team duties, Rashford has announced that he is ‘ready for a new challenge’ and he is making moves to help bring about that change.

The Sun report that Rashford has held talks with sports agency CAA Stellar, who represent a string of high profile clients and famously worked out Gareth Bale’s move from Tottenham to Real Madrid.

Rashford’s brother Dwaine Maynard currently represents the Manchester United forward, but Stellar have been approached to help get a deal done with a new club.

Which club that will be is not clear as the options are limited for a player who earns around £325,000-a-week at Old Trafford.

The bookmakers currently make Barcelona favourite to be Rashford’s next club, although the Catalan giants remain in a perilous financial state, so a deal will be very complicated for them to pull off.

Paris Saint-Germain has also been touted as a possible destination for the Englishman, while the Saudi Pro League is another potential option.

In terms of Premier League clubs, Arsenal have been most strongly linked with a move for Rashford, although a bid in January remains unlikely.

After Rashford announced his desire to leave Manchester United, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta would not be drawn on whether a move to north London could be on the cards.

When asked if he believes he could reignite Rashford's career at Arsenal, Arteta replied: 'No, and you know that I'm not going to talk about players from other clubs.'

On Rashford’s return to the first team squad on Monday, Amorim offered little update, although did suggest that it was at least partly down to injuries and suspensions to other players.

‘Selection,’ he said of Rashford’s place on the bench. ‘We have a lot of players outside. Every week I chose my players and this time he is here.’