A recent report has sent shockwaves through the football world, claiming that Marcus Rashford has requested a January transfer from Manchester United, with three potential destinations in the mix, including a Premier League rival.
The 26-year-old forward has struggled for form since last season, managing just eight goals and four assists in his last 41 league appearances, a steep decline compared to his impressive 2022/23 campaign where he scored 17 goals and provided five assists.
According to the Spanish publication Nacional, Rashford is dissatisfied with the lack of an “ambitious or stable project” at Old Trafford. This frustration has reportedly led him to instruct his agent to explore options for a move during the upcoming January transfer window.
The report suggests that Aston Villa, Napoli, and Marseille have shown interest in signing Rashford. A move to Aston Villa would come as a surprise to many, but the club has emerged as a strong competitor under Unai Emery’s guidance, even leading a revitalized Champions League campaign.
Napoli appears to be the most likely destination, as the Italian club currently tops Serie A and is pushing to strengthen their squad further. Managed by Antonio Conte, Napoli could provide Rashford with an opportunity to reunite with former Manchester United teammates Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku. The move would also allow him to compete for domestic league titles, a prospect that might appeal to the forward.
Meanwhile, Marseille is seen as the least likely option due to financial constraints that might prevent them from meeting Manchester United’s demands. However, joining Marseille would offer Rashford the chance to play alongside Mason Greenwood, another former United player.
Despite the intrigue, the reliability of the report remains uncertain. However, TEAMtalk insider Fraser Gillan has indicated that a Rashford departure, whether in January or in 2025, is plausible. Additionally, major clubs like PSG and Bayern Munich are expected to monitor the situation closely and may make a move for Rashford if United agrees to let him go.
In other transfer news, Manchester United is reportedly planning to challenge Real Madrid for Alphonso Davies, with the Bayern Munich star entering the final year of his contract. The club is also considering allowing Antony to return to Ajax on loan in January while keeping tabs on teenage Sporting CP forward Geovany Quenda as a potential future signing.
Separately, Erik ten Hag has allegedly reached a breaking point with an underperforming player earning £200,000 per week. Reports claim the manager has decided to bench the player until the transfer window opens, as the club works to offload him to free up their wage bill. Meanwhile, another Manchester United midfielder continues to face fitness challenges, drawing concern from fans and players alike.
