Rio Ferdinand is changing his tune on Marcus Rashford. And he thinks Manchester United should too.
The former United defender watched Rashford come off the bench for England against Croatia on Wednesday and score a clinical goal that sealed a 3-2 win. It was the kind of moment that makes you wonder whether Old Trafford is giving up on the wrong guy.
Rashford hasn’t played for United since December 2014. That’s not a typo. He fell out with Ruben Amorim and was exiled. Since then, he’s been on loan at Aston Villa and then Barcelona last season. At Barcelona, he put up 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions. That’s production. But Barcelona still passed on making the deal permanent, partly because they just spent £70 million on Anthony Gordon from Newcastle.
Now United wants a permanent sale. The club’s position is firm. No way back for Rashford. But Ferdinand says that stance might need to soften.
“Do you know what, Manchester United might have to start re-evaluating Marcus Rashford’s situation,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. “I’m happy to change. I’m not wrong and strong. It seems like Marcus Rashford has matured. The time away from the club may have done him the good he needed and maybe it’s cleansed both parties.”
Ferdinand pointed to how Rashford handled his role at Barcelona as an impact sub. That might be his role with England too. Against Croatia, he came on with the game tight at 3-2, cut inside from the left, and slotted past Dominik Livakovic. Ice cold.
“If I’m the opposing full-back and I see Marcus Rashford warming up, you are looking over to the bench and hoping to get subbed off because you don’t want that smoke,” Ferdinand said. “He’s not coming on to see the game out, he’s coming on to hurt you.”
That raises the obvious question: if Rashford can do that for England and Barcelona, why not for United again?
There’s plenty of interest. Premier League clubs like Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are all reportedly keeping an eye on things. But the latest twist involves Saudi Arabia. According to journalist Ben Jacobs, two Saudi Pro League clubs have made approaches. Al Qadsiah and newly-promoted Al-Diraiyah have reached out. So has Al-Hilal, who need a wide player and are expected to make a run at a big-name foreign addition.
It’s not clear if Rashford would even consider a move to Saudi Arabia. He’s 28 and has spent the last year playing at Camp Nou. Going to the Middle East would be a major shift in priorities. But the offers are out there.
United’s position hasn’t changed. They want him gone. Ferdinand thinks that’s worth a second look. And after what Rashford showed against Croatia, he might have a point.
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