Rio Ferdinand is making his pitch clear. The former Manchester United defender says Arsenal should absolutely go after Marcus Rashford this summer, and he thinks the price tag is a steal.
Rashford’s future is up in the air after his loan spell at Barcelona. The Spanish club decided not to make the move permanent, so now he’s heading back to Manchester for preseason — unless someone else comes in with an offer. According to reports, both United and the player are open to a sale if the right deal comes along.
Ferdinand didn’t hold back on his YouTube channel.
“I’m taking Rashford,” he said. “For $50 million, I am sweeping Marcus Rashford off his feet.”
That’s a solid chunk of change, but Ferdinand seems to think it’s worth it for a player who’s still only 27 and has shown flashes of brilliance even during a tough couple of seasons.
Arsenal already has attackers. Does Rashford fit?
Arsenal legend David Seaman also wants to see Rashford in a Gunners shirt, but he’s got questions about where he’d play. “I would like that move because I still think Marcus Rashford has got a lot to offer,” Seaman said. “He’s still very dangerous when he’s on it. But then, straight away, my head then goes, ‘Who’s he gonna replace?’ We’ve got Martinelli and Trossard. If they sign Rashford, they’re probably going to get rid of one of those two. But he is a real talent.”
That’s the dilemma. Arsenal already has Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard on the left. Rashford prefers that same spot. So unless Mikel Arteta plans to shift things around or let someone go, it’s not a straightforward fit.
Man United already has a plan B if Rashford goes
Meanwhile, United isn’t sitting around waiting. Journalist Tyrone Marshall reported that if Rashford is sold, the club has identified two possible replacements: West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville and Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye. Both are left-wingers with different styles. Summerville is quick and direct. Ndiaye is more of a dribbler who can create chances in tight spaces.
United also just spent around $63 million on Andrey Santos from Chelsea. Ferdinand likes that move too. “I think there’s a lot of growth, there’s a lot of potential,” he said. “I spoke to one of the guys behind the scenes at recruitment at Chelsea when he first went there and they were raving about him and the potential in the kid. He’ll be a Brazil national team player for the next 10 years no doubts in my mind. He’s not the main midfielder at Chelsea but Man United I think have bought someone of the right profile for the club who’s going to be one of two or three midfielders that they sign this year.”
United is rebuilding its midfield in stages. Santos is one piece. They’re expected to add at least one or two more before the window closes. The club isn’t trying to blow its whole budget on one name if the value isn’t there.
As for Rashford, the clock is ticking. Preseason starts soon. If Arsenal wants him, they’ll have to move fast. And if United sells him, they already know who they’re calling.
Leave a Comment