EXCLUSIVE: Amorim fumes with Rashford as Arsenal consider Man Utd outcast

Steve Kay

Updated: 1 Jan 2025 11:05 CST
3 min read

FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal have considered Marcus Rashford as a potential option but that a lot of pieces would have to fall into place for a move to materialise.

Article continues under the video

The Manchester United homegrown finds himself on the outside looking in under Ruben Amorim. Rashford was omitted for four consecutive games by the Portuguese head coach but returned to the bench against Newcastle on Monday, though he did not get on the pitch.

Rashford made headlines by revealing that he was 'ready for a new challenge' just a day after Amorim had left him at home for the Manchester derby and this has naturally given rise to speculation surrounding his future.

There have been tentative links with Arsenal but we are told that such a move is highly improbable under current circumstances despite the Gunners' recent injuries to Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka.

A loan move for Rashford is viewed as completely off the table, although Arsenal have briefly considered him as a permanent option. Interestingly, the player's representatives have been actively reaching out to clubs, including the Gunners, to explore potential opportunities.

Rashford to Arsenal highly unlikely

However, Arsenal, for their part, would only move for Rashford under specific conditions this year. For one, Raheem Sterling would have to return to Chelsea to create room in the squad.

More importantly, Arsenal are not willing to pay more than €30 million (£25m) for Rashford as he would, on current form, be nothing more than a squad player. He would have to accept this role and be prepared to fight for his place in Arsenal’s squad, which makes a switch doubtful.

Intriguingly, sources claim that an approach for Rashford would not disrupt Arsenal's ambitions to secure high-profile targets such as Nico Williams or Rafael Leao for key attacking roles.

Man Utd are aware of Rashford’s representatives approaching other clubs and head coach Amorim is said to be particularly frustrated, which is believed to have been a significant factor behind the recent exclusion from the squad.

Despite this, the club's INEOS chiefs have a different perspective. Sources suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and company are unperturbed by Rashford’s actions and are eager to facilitate his exit from the club as soon as possible.

The case of Rashford has sparked some internal friction at Man Utd, with the situation only made more tense by Amorim's side losing four consecutive games without the winger.