Rio Ferdinand has spoken out on Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from the Leicester game. He has stated it as a ‘wrong signal’ following the forward’s poor run of form.
With Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out due to health concerns and Edinson Cavani being out due to an injury, the England international appeared like an obvious choice to lead the line against Leicester City on Saturday, but Rangnick chose Bruno Fernandes instead.
However, in the match, Fernandes squandered two good chances, costing the Red Devils two crucial points, with Rashford watching from the bench, thinking he could have put them away.
When he finally did come on, the 24-year-old appeared low in confidence and continued to struggle after returning from shoulder surgery in October.
Marcus Rashford will be able to leave United as a free agent in 2023, and United icon Rio Ferdinand feels his apparent issues with Ralf Rangnick will force him towards the exit door.
Ferdinand while speaking on his Youtube channel Five, said:
“What must Rashford be thinking now? Maybe there are new contract negotiations behind the scenes, but if you’re him, you’re sitting there thinking ‘wow, this gaffer doesn’t fancy me.”
“How can I stay here and sign this contract given the team would rather play without a striker than play with me?’ All the signs are so wrong. I’m not saying he’s perfect or played particularly well the last few weeks, but at the same time, it’s the wrong signal.”
“Forget everything else, if I’m Rashford, I’m looking and thinking ‘this guy does not rate me’. He doesn’t see me as anything if he’s going to play two midfielders upfront instead of me.”
The young forward has scored just five goals in all competitions this season, a player very different from the one who scored 21 and 22 goals under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons, respectively.
Rashford is a treasured son of Manchester United fans, who will be heartbroken to see him depart if he does not renew his contract; but, even if the 24-year-old does, everyone will understand that the Englishman is simply not good enough for the result they want to achieve in his current condition.
With a new manager on the way for next season, it may be Rashford’s last chance to revive his career at the club he loves.
