Where next for Marcus Rashford? Newcastle, Tottenham, Inter Milan or revitalised under Ten Hag?
- Sean Fisher
- 14 June 2022
After enduring a torrid season at Manchester United, a fresh start could be exactly what Marcus Rashford needs, and the 24-year-old would have plenty of suitors if he decided to move...
After rising through the ranks at the Red Devils, academy graduate Marcus Rashford looked to be improving season-on-season at Old Trafford.
His 2020/21 campaign was his best yet, and his 21 goals scored in all competitions had fans excited about his potential heading into last season.
However, the 24-year-old struggled with injuries and then couldn't find his way back into United's starting XI. Rashford ended the season having scored just five goals and with his confidence at an all-time low.
Dutchman Erik ten Hag will fancy himself to revitalise Rashford. However, a clean break might be the way to go, with a few clubs having already shown interest in securing his signature.
Newcastle United
The current favourites to poach the Manchester United striker are Newcastle United, who will look to strengthen their squad with a few marquee signings this summer.
Money is no issue for the Magpies following their Saudi-backed takeover and they'll be targeting a top-half finish at the very least.
While Callum Wilson is a loved figure around Tyneside, his poor injury record cannot be overlooked. Even if fit, Wilson will need competition up front and Rashford fits the bill.
The excitement around St James' Park could be enough to help Rashford rediscover his love for the game, and he'd no doubt receive a warm welcome from Newcastle fans still buzzing from their club's strong finish to the season.
Tottenham
Tactically it seems a match made in heaven, but whether United would be willing to sell to a direct top-four rival remains to be seen.
Rashford's signature would likely demand a hefty transfer fee and Tottenham have plenty of other positions Conte would prefer to address this summer.
If United slash their asking price then Rashford could be tempted to move to north London, especially with Champions League football on offer.
Inter Milan
More likely, however, is Rashford following the likes of Ashley Young, Matteo Darmian, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan.
The Italian club have been keen in the past to snap up Manchester United's wantaway stars - and it's a strategy that has often been successful for both the club and the players.
And it's not just former United stars that have thrived following a move to Italy either. England's Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori have also found their way back into Gareth Southgate's plans after impressing in Serie A.
Barcelona
With Ten Hag hell-bent on signing Frenkie de Jong, Rashford could be used as a makeweight to help the Dutchman reunite with his former Ajax star.
Memphis Depay doesn't seem part of Xavi's plans at Camp Nou and the Spaniard will want a new forward in the summer. Leeds United's Raphinha has already been identified as a priority target, but Rashford could be a cheaper and more attainable option.
Negotiations over De Jong seem to have stalled, but throwing Rashford's name into the mix could help speed things up and save United some funds for further signings.
Of course it'd also come down to whether Rashford himself would fancy a move to the Spanish giants. However, there aren't many players in world football who turn down a move to Barcelona.
Juventus
The Old Lady are used to dominating domestic football in Italy, but successive fourth-placed finishes have left them needing a rebuild this summer.
Paul Pogba could be a major part of that rebuild should the Frenchman rejoin the Turin side after leaving United for free, and Rashford may join him in donning the iconic black and white for the 2022/23 campaign.
