Rio Ferdinand believes it would be “best for everybody” if Marcus Rashford leaves Manchester United – and would not be surprised if Alejandro Garnacho also leaves in the January transfer window.
England international Rashford has not played for his hometown club since December 12 and appears to be out in the cold under Ruben Amorim.
He watched United’s injury-time Europa League win over Rangers from the stands as his exile continued, leaving Ferdinand to conclude it was time for the 27-year-old to move on.
"I used to remember him smiling and living the dream… I've not seen them emotions for a long time." 😢@rioferdy5 on the future of Marcus Rashford at Man United.
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— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 23, 2025
“I think that is an indication of what the club wants to happen. I think they want to get him out,” the former Red Devils star told TNT Sport.
“I think he needs to go a new club, a new situation, a new environment. For him. When he burst on to the scene and was scoring goals I always remember him smiling, looking like a young kid that can’t believe his luck that he’s here…living the dream.
“I’ve not seen that face, not see those emotions, for a long time. For far too long. I don’t think he’s enjoyed his football here the last few years. I think it’s best for everybody for him to go somewhere else.”
Garnacho is another player linked with a move away from Old Trafford. In contrast to Rashford, he played all 90 minutes against Rangers but links to Chelsea have strengthened in recent days.
He was given a warm reception by the United fans during Thursday’s 2-1 win but that may not be enough to win him a place in Amorim’s long-term plans.
“They were making their feelings very clear…they were singing his name and that was a sign of what they feel about him,” said Ferdinand.
“There’s no doubting the kid’s got huge ability, huge talent. The system is going to be the one thing that goes against him. Amorim doesn’t play with out and out wingers, he wants his wingers to play inside.
“That may be one of the factors that goes against Garnacho and why they may listen to offers for him. I don’t think he would be the one initiating this move, saying ‘I want to leave’. I think he’s the one going, ‘You want me to go? You’re listening to offers?’.”
