Reaction as Rashford looks for 'new challenge'
Amorim says he 'just wants to help' Rashford in Man Utd news conference
News conferences to come: Tottenham & Chelsea (est 1300)
EFL Cup quarter-final build-up: Arsenal v Crystal Palace (19:30 GMT), Newcastle v Brentford (19:45), Southampton v Liverpool (20:00)
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Marcus Rashford has delivered some memorable moments in a Manchester United shirt over the years.
None more so than these...
Image source, Getty ImagesThat penalty in Paris.
Image source, Getty ImagesPremier League debut delight against Arsenal.
Image source, Getty ImagesClinching the EFL Cup against Newcastle in 2023.
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I have been waiting for him to deliver something remarkable. He has had a few great seasons, but far too many have been disappointing. Game after game, his performance has been lacklustre – not tracking back, complaining, and showing a poor attitude. He has been a constant source of frustration, and frankly, I am not sorry to see him go. This seems to be typical of the player Rashford has become - no longer willing to work hard and focus on his football. Instead of putting in the effort and adjusting his attitude, it is clear to anyone watching, including Ruben Amorim, that something has to change. It is likely he has been told the harsh truth but continues to think he is something he is not. Sadly, he is another player who could have achieved greater things had he not let the hype go to his head. With the wealth he now has, he is probably very comfortable and set for life, which might explain his lacklustre attitude, seeing it as easy money. Rashford has made his choice through his actions on the training pitch, in the dressing room, and in every match. It has been evident for some time that his heart was not truly in the job.
Josh, Harare
Simon Stone
BBC Sport's chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesLord Coe chaired the last meeting of the Old Trafford regeneration taskforce yesterday.
It is the group Sir Jim Ratcliffe set up to discuss issues around his hope for a new stadium for Manchester United on land close to their present stadium.
There are wider issues that need to be resolved, specifically around a freight terminal that needs to be moved away from its current site, that requires buy-in from the local authority and rail companies.
"At every stage we have challenged all involved to recognise the opportunity that sport presents as a powerful driver for transformational urban regeneration and that is reflected in the report," said Lord Coe.
"Manchester United will now work together with local authorities to review the findings and agree a path forward in the months ahead."
The Taskforce's findings will be passed on to Ratcliffe, with a final decision around the stadium expected next summer.
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When a player turns out in the media and says that he's "ready for the next challenge" it just confirms to the supporters that he's not interested in fighting for his place and he's just waiting for January when he can go and find his "next challenge". He has been after his next challenge for a year and a half. Chuck him in the reserves. And he can stop doing that daft celebration too. He's pointing at the only one he's interested in.
Rob, Droitwich
The views of ex-Manchester United players are starting to filter through on Marcus Rashford and according to former midfielder Paul Scholes on The Overlap Fan Debate, which was posted on Wednesday morning, "it feels like the end" for the 27-year-old forward at Old Trafford.
"He doesn't look happy, the lad," said Scholes.
"Even if he's scoring a goal. You think, what's wrong with him. Is he getting the right support behind the scenes?
"You don't know what's happening. But it did happen with Erik ten Hag; I think he was late for a meeting before the Wolves game, and again, he's been left out of this squad. I think his on and off the field choices aren't quite right."
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Anders @9:25 - I ask you to find 10 West Ham or Newcastle fans who would want Rashford in their side over Bowen or Gordon. The latter two have shown they have the appetite to drag their clubs out of trouble. Rashford just gets lost in the doldrums. You also say there will be plenty of clubs willing to have him if he drops his wage demands... You do realise that even half of what Rashford is on would make him the top earner (still) at any club outside the big six? Would he take that pay cut? Something tells me Jim Radcliffe is not the type to subsidise wages like what happened to Raheem Sterling.
Mark, Newcastle (and Gordon) fan.
How good is Marcus Rashford? It is a question that is quite difficult to pin down.
If going off goal contributions per season, he does not jump out as one of Manchester United's most important players.
Only three times in nine seasons has he broken the magical 20-goal barrier by which strikers are often judged.
Of course, during Erik ten Hag's first campaign in 2022-23, he was majestic - almost seeming to score every week on his way to a thunderous 30 goals.
Unfortunately, that type of end product has not continued.
In Rashford's defence, with seven already in 2024-25, he is on track to easily beat last season's meagre tally of eight goals scored and five assists. Yet, one gets the feeling United expect and need more from their number 10.
When he burst on to the scene in 2015-16, it was utterly spectacular - sadly, those flashes of brilliance have been all-too fleeting during his time at Old Trafford.
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It would be a shame to see Rashford leave Man Utd. He burst on to the scene and has all the attributes to be world-class but just hasn't hit those heights. Perhaps he takes a leaf out of Jadon Sancho's book and accept it's not working for him at Man Utd and move on? Sancho looks like a different player at Chelsea now. Amazing what a change can do for you. No one would begrudge him for wanting to get back to the best version of himself.
Glenn
Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim said he "just wants to help" Marcus Rashford in his news conference this morning.
He was asked about Rashford's comments that he was "ready for a new challenge" which Amorim made clear could be at Old Trafford.
Amorim said his side are "better with Rashford" and showed no indication that he wanted to lose the player.
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Karl, Plymouth: Dale in Morecambe is correct regarding 'something deeper' going on . The question has to be why has a club like ours not been able to help him sort this season after season? At his best he is unstoppable. But, really, when was he last consistently at his best?
Here is a reminder of that incident at the start of the year which saw Marcus Rashford miss training at Manchester United after reporting ill, before not featuring in their 4-2 FA Cup win over Newport.
"He can't keep doing this. He can't keep wasting his talent. It is not right," former England striker Alan Shearer said at the time.
FA Cup: Lineker, Shearer and Richards react to Ten Hag's decision to drop Rashford
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We all assume that footballers love what they do and are living the dream. The reality is, this might not be the case for everyone. Rashford seems to have lost the joy of playing for United and maybe even football altogether and appears to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. Whatever happens I wish him good luck because memories of how he broke onto the scene with that brace, that penalty against PSG and his recent 30-goal tally will never be forgotten.
Jif, Manchester
Image source, Getty ImagesIt's interesting looking back on previous interviews Marcus Rashford has done this year.
In February, he wrote in a piece for The Players' Tribune, external that people who were questioning his commitment to Manchester United needed to show "more humanity".
This was around the time he missed United's FA Cup win over Newport, days after he was reportedly seen in nightspots in Northern Ireland.
"If you ever question my commitment to United, that's when I have to speak up," Rashford said.
"It's like somebody questioning my entire identity, and everything I stand for as a man.
"I grew up here. I have played for this club since I was a boy. My family turned down life-changing money when I was a kid so I could wear this badge."
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Personally I don't see what challenge is bigger or better for someone born in the area and also come through Man Utd's academy, than beating Rooney's goals record whilst getting the club back to the top. That's the challenge isn't it? To me what Rashford is really saying is he doesn't fancy the fight. I hope I'm wrong because I want him to succeed at Old Trafford, but if he isn't willing to fight for it then it's best for everyone he finds pastures new.
Alex, Yatton
BBC World Service
Image source, Getty ImagesThe million dollar question: Where could Marcus Rashford end up?
"I would be surprised if United allowed him to go to another English club," Henry Winter told the BBC World Service.
"Arsenal are crying out for a centre forward and a left-sided forward. Gabriel Martinelli has been doing well but he's certainly no Bukayo Saka. Son Heung-min at Spurs - he's fading a bit, though he scored at the weekend.
"I think wages would be an issue. He'll be linked with Saudi Arabia, but it's far too early for him to go to Saudi, plus he wants to play in the 2026 World Cup. He's got a dream still there.
"Obviously, he needs to apply himself more and get back playing for whatever club. Spain would be a ideal for him but Real Madrid - is there vacancy there? Not really after Kylian Mbappe came in.
"Barcelona? Do they have the money? It's an interesting one but it does seem like a parting of the ways is inevitable."
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Do respect Rashford’s decision whatever the outcome will be. But there will be uncanny comparisons with Maguire who had suffered criticism yet showed determination to fight for his place and is now reaping the rewards.
Thant
Tottenham v Man Utd (Thu, 20:00 GMT)
Simon Stone
BBC Sport's chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty ImagesIf Manchester United offered guidance on how not to create even more turmoil around an already delicate situation, Ruben Amorim has followed it.
We know enough of Amorim now to know he is not someone who will hold back just for the sake of it, so there is an element of reality about his observations that Marcus Rashford is a big talent - 'and we need big talents'.
But this is also a case where actions will speak louder than words.
Amorim says he wants Rashford to stay. But also that players have to meet his standards. He says Rashford - and Alejandro Garnacho - will be assessed for selection on the training ground performances.
It is fair to assume therefore that if neither reaches the required standard, they will not travel to London for the EFL Cup tie at Tottenham - even if Rashford has shaken off the illness that prevented him from training on Monday.
After Tottenham, United have Premier League games against Bournemouth, Wolves and Newcastle.
We will know soon enough where Rashford fits in Amorim's plans. If he fails to reach the standard his new boss demands, the 27-year-old will not feature.
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One of Man Utd's problems over recent years has been players not playing to a high level, consistently, season after season. Rashford is an example of this problem. If you look at Liverpool and Man City over recent years this has not been an issue for them. No point in having a player that is unreliable and not 100% committed. Best for both parties that he moves on.
Philip, Bath
BBC World Service
Image source, Getty ImagesHenry Winter thinks it's "harsh" to say Marcus Rashford is giving up at Manchester United given the 27-year-old has scored three goals in the two games in which he's started as a centre forward under new boss Ruben Amorim. But a long-term future does leave question marks.
"He doesn't necessarily fit tactically in how Amorim wants to play in a 3-4-2-1 formation with two 10s and a sole striker, which looks like Rasmus Hojlund," said Winter.
"Possibly next year Viktor Gyokeres comes in from Sporting Lisbon, so that marginalises Marcus Rashford.
"Also we are in the Profit and Sustainability Regulations (PSR) age and maybe United have to generate some funds in January to strengthen elsewhere."
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As I United fan, I would be very disappointed to see Rashford leave. His form hasn't been great over the last 18 months but his talent is unquestionable. Clearly something deeper going on and we should be asking if Marcus is getting the support he needs from the club. This is a man who has been subjected to harsh criticism and appalling racial abuse yet always carried himself with dignity. Once a red, always a red.
Dale, Morecambe
