Marcus Rashford, a long-serving and iconic figure at Manchester United, recently dropped a bombshell in an interview, hinting at a desire to leave the club.
His remarks have raised questions about his future at Old Trafford, and reports indicate that the Red Devils might part ways with the England international as early as January—if a suitable suitor emerges.
According to The Sun, Juventus was presented with the opportunity to sign the 26-year-old but declined the offer. The Serie A club has shifted its focus to 23-year-old Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, currently struggling for regular game time at United.
Joshua Zirkzee joined Manchester United last summer in a £36.5 million ($46 million) transfer, but his debut season has been underwhelming. The striker has managed just four goals in 26 appearances across all competitions, with limited opportunities to complete 90 minutes in the Premier League.
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Despite these struggles, Juventus head coach Thiago Motta reportedly sees potential in the young forward. Having previously worked with Zirkzee during their time together at Bologna, Motta believes he could help the striker rediscover his form.
Still, United is unlikely to let Zirkzee leave so soon after his arrival. The club invested significantly in the Dutch international under former manager Erik ten Hag, and selling him now could mean taking a financial hit. As such, Juventus might have to look elsewhere if they are serious about bolstering their attacking options in January.
For Rashford, the prospect of leaving Manchester United seems more realistic. The England star has struggled for consistency this season and has been omitted from the squad for the last three matches.
While a permanent move might be challenging in the middle of the season, a loan deal could offer Rashford a fresh start and valuable playing time. Several clubs, both in the Premier League and abroad, would likely be interested in securing his services temporarily.
Manchester United faces tough decisions regarding its attacking lineup. Rashford’s potential departure would mark the end of an era, while selling Zirkzee would raise questions about the club’s long-term strategy. The uncertainty also underscores the difficulties United has faced in its bid to rebuild the squad under multiple managers.