Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham has given Marcus Rashford the green light to join bitter rivals Liverpool, despite warning it would represent the 'ultimate betrayal' for fans. The former striker's comments come as Rashford faces an uncertain future after a productive loan spell at Barcelona.
Rashford's Barcelona Loan and Return to Old Trafford
Rashford is poised to return to Old Trafford this summer after a season-long loan at Barcelona, where he claimed La Liga honours while contributing 14 goals and 14 assists. The winger had hoped to secure a permanent transfer, but Barcelona instead opted to spend £70 million on his England colleague Anthony Gordon.
This leaves Rashford facing an uncertain situation upon his return to Manchester following the World Cup. The England international lost his place during Ruben Amorim's tenure at United, eventually conceding he was ready for a new challenge away from his boyhood club. He was subsequently included in Amorim's notorious 'bomb squad', a group of five players the Portuguese manager was eager to offload, leading to loan stints at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Sheringham's Stance on a Liverpool Move
Recent speculation has linked Tottenham with a potential swoop for Rashford as part of Roberto de Zerbi's bold reconstruction in north London. But Sheringham believes a surprising transfer to Liverpool cannot be dismissed.
'Marcus Rashford to Liverpool would feel like the ultimate betrayal to Manchester United fans but what if Manchester United don't want him?' Sheringham told ComeOn. 'Then as a player you've got to do what's best for you.'
Despite raising the possibility of a sensational switch to Anfield, the former England striker fell short of completely dismissing a future for Rashford at Old Trafford. Sheringham indicated there might still be a way back for the Manchester-born forward, who remains tied to a lucrative £325,000-per-week deal with two years remaining and will return to a vastly different Old Trafford under new manager Michael Carrick.
Contract Situation and Potential Reconciliation
'Manchester United should be in control of the Marcus Rashford situation, not Marcus Rashford. He is still a Manchester United player,' Sheringham said. 'That's what happens when you sign these big, long contracts, and he was happy to sign it at the time to get more money. All of a sudden, he's not happy and he wants to leave.
'Back in my day, as a player, if you had a contract, you weren't going anywhere, and it works both ways too. If there's a contract that's been signed, both parties should honour that contract. But United can try and manipulate the situation to get the best outcome for what they need. He's a United player so why not utilise that situation to get that extra forward back in the squad that Michael Carrick needs?
'Can they ease the situation and make it work? He's playing at a World Cup and scoring goals. He's in your squad. Make the most of it.'
Sheringham added: 'If Rashford came back firing on all cylinders for Manchester United, working hard for the team at Old Trafford, then everyone is going to be happy, aren't they? These things can quickly be forgotten in football.'
