Speculation Surrounding Rashford's Future

As speculation mounts regarding Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United, legendary striker Alan Shearer has made some concerning remarks about the England international's current state of mind. Shearer pointed out that Rashford "does not look happy" and that "something is not right," fueling rumors that the 27-year-old could be sold in the upcoming January transfer window.

Upcoming Manchester Derby

This Sunday, Manchester United is gearing up for an intense Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium. The team, under the management of Ruben Amorim, is looking to secure a second consecutive win in a crucial clash against rivals Manchester City, who are also struggling. Despite a slight improvement in morale since Amorim's appointment, many uncertainties loom over United's squad.

Transfer Speculations

Recent reports suggest that Manchester United is open to transferring several players, including Rashford, as they aim to reshape their roster. While he was once a key player for the club, his form has notably dipped, and elite clubs have reportedly taken an interest in acquiring him. Insiders claim that United could be willing to accept a surprisingly low transfer fee to facilitate Rashford’s departure.

Alan Shearer's Take

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Shearer reflected on the sharp decline in Rashford's performance over the past couple of seasons. "I saw him three years ago scoring 30 goals a season, so it is in there, but we haven’t seen anywhere near that for a long time now," he noted. Shearer also emphasized that it's unclear what has led to this drop, expressing that despite Rashford’s evident talent, he seems to lack happiness both on and off the pitch.

Opinions from Carragher and Merson

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher also shared his views, suggesting that it's time for United to consider letting go of Rashford and even captain Bruno Fernandes. He argued that Rashford’s contribution has diminished significantly, with only 11 goals in his last 48 league appearances, which is not justifiable given his substantial contract.

Carragher stated, "There has been too much of a pantomime around Rashford for the last few seasons," underlining the urgency for Manchester United to rebuild under Amorim’s direction.

Despite the negativity surrounding Rashford, pundit Paul Merson believes that Amorim could orchestrate a game-changing performance against City by utilizing Rashford effectively. Merson suggested a speedy front three comprised of Rashford, Amad Diallo, and Alejandro Garnacho could be the key to exploiting City's weaknesses in counter-attacks.

Concerns Over Rashford's Transfer

Nevertheless, Merson expressed skepticism about finding a suitor for Rashford due to his high wages, which he believes are not reflective of his recent performances. He raised questions about why other clubs, such as Paris Saint-Germain, would prefer to sign a replacement instead of paying for Rashford.

Manchester United's Transfer Strategy

On the transfer front, Manchester United is reportedly preparing a firm bid for Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic, currently with Juventus. With Vlahovic’s contract running out soon and growing interest from various clubs, there’s a sense of urgency for United to act quickly.

Additionally, reports suggest that United’s first January signing could come in the form of a left-back from Girona, as Amorim looks to bolster crucial positions within the squad. Speculations also linger about the potential sale of Antony, the outcast winger whose time at Old Trafford might be at risk, further impacting United's transfer dealings.

Conclusion

As fans brace for what's sure to be a thrilling Manchester derby this weekend, the future of Marcus Rashford remains uncertain and could hinge on the actions taken in the January transfer window. Will he stay, or is a move away from Old Trafford on the horizon? Stay tuned!