Marcus Rashford has been given the green light to join arch-rivals Liverpool by a Manchester United legend, who warned it would amount to the “ultimate betrayal” but insisted the player must prioritise his career. The 28-year-old winger is set to return to Old Trafford this summer after a season-long loan at Barcelona, where he won La Liga and contributed 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.
Rashford's uncertain future at Old Trafford
Rashford had hoped to make his move to Barcelona permanent, but the Catalan club instead spent £70 million on his England teammate Anthony Gordon. This leaves Rashford in an awkward position upon his return to Manchester after the World Cup. The England international fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim at United, eventually admitting he was “ready for a new challenge” away from his boyhood club. He was placed in Amorim’s “bomb squad” – a group of five players the Portuguese coach wanted to offload – leading to loan spells at Aston Villa and Barcelona.
Sheringham backs shock Liverpool move
Recent reports have linked Tottenham Hotspur with a move for Rashford as part of Roberto de Zerbi’s rebuild. But United legend Teddy Sheringham, who scored the equaliser and assisted the winner in the 1999 Champions League final, believes a shock move to Liverpool cannot be ruled out. “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.”
Contract complications and possible return
Despite floating the prospect of a move to Anfield, Sheringham suggested there could still be a route back for Rashford, who has two years left on his £325,000-per-week contract and will return to a different Old Trafford under new boss Michael Carrick. “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 days 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.”
United urged to make the most of Rashford
Sheringham urged United to utilise the situation: “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. 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.”
