Marcus Rashford's comments from 2018 have resurfaced, showing his loyalty to Manchester United by stating that Liverpool was 'never an option' during his younger days. The 28-year-old forward's future remains uncertain after Barcelona opted against signing him permanently for £26 million at the end of his season-long loan stint in Spain.
Rashford's Current Situation
Rashford, currently at the World Cup with England, will join up with the United squad after the tournament. Despite widespread belief that his Old Trafford career was over, there is a possibility he could be in contention for selection during pre-season under Michael Carrick.
With United unwilling to sanction a third consecutive loan spell, The Manchester Evening News reports that Rashford could remain with his boyhood club beyond the summer. There is readiness on all sides to explore his reintegration, though such an outcome is far from certain.
Premier League Interest and Wages
Several Premier League clubs are expected to circle for the forward this summer. Domestic rivals remain the most likely to afford or attract him, given his eye-watering wages. However, Rashford is said to prefer to run down the final two years of his contract at United.
Lifelong Affiliation with United
His life-long affiliation with the Red Devils would block him from joining the few teams that could actually sign him. His comments from 2018, addressing rumours that he might have chosen Liverpool over United as a child, suggest as much. He explained: 'No. Liverpool was never an option. Liverpool, City, Everton - there was no other club I really would have enjoyed going to other than United. It just felt like the natural thing to do.'
Rivalry and Future Prospects
Even if Rashford were not to snub rivals like Liverpool, Chelsea, or Arsenal, United would block him from signing for the former and Manchester City, given their huge rivalry. Rashford joined United aged seven and made a dream debut as an 18-year-old, scoring twice against Arsenal in 2016. He went on to net 138 goals in 426 appearances.
His loan exits to Aston Villa and then Barcelona came after a falling out with then-head coach Ruben Amorim.
