Marcus Rashford was once Manchester United’s golden boy – he now looks set to leave the Red Devils this winter, so where did it all go wrong?
It was on December 1 when Manchester United fans flooded the comments of ex-Love Island contestant Grace Jackson, thanking her for Marcus Rashford’s recent up turn in form.
Rashford seemingly had the world at his feet. He had just netted twice against a struggling Everton with the Red Devils under the leadership of new boss Ruben Amorim – who had arrived from Sporting CP on November 11.
However, Rashford’s purple patch was soon to be in the past as a confidant collared Amorim after Rashford’s exploits. According to The Athletic, Amorim was informed Rashford had been out in Manchester on the Friday night, less than 48 hours before Everton’s visit to Old Trafford.
Amorim confronted Rashford – and the Englishman protested he had been misinformed, three days later he was ousted from the United starting squad for a crunch clash with Arsenal.
He would make an appearance off the bench, and he would again against Nottingham Forest on December 7. However, that remains Rashford’s final Red Devils appearance in the Premier League – and it could be his last.
There was no sign of him in the squad for their derby with Manchester City – with the Stretford End crowning their new wing wizard in the form of Amad Diallo. The Ivorian was instrumental in a whirlwind end to the derby that saw United clinch all three points.
When Rashford next appeared in the United squad it was Boxing Day – and he was left on the bench.
By then Rashford’s romance with Grace had also hit the rocks. And a source told The Sun: “Grace realised that Marcus wasn’t serious about her and has unfollowed him on Instagram. She realised there was no future so she has decided to cut ties.
“When the opportunity arose to take part in Love Island All Stars this winter Grace jumped at the chance, she is still young in her career and is keen to maximise the exposure to help with her modelling work and net campaign deals.
“If she finds love on the show that’s a bonus, especially since she didn’t meet a suitable match in the summer.
“As far as she is concerned it’s Marcus’ loss, she is putting her best foot forward and can’t wait to enjoy some winter sun in gloomy January.” The pair had been tipped to be the next Posh and Becks – but it wasn’t to be.
Rashford also dropped the ultimate bombshell, on December 17, in an interview with Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps. When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’.
“You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person. If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.
“When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me.”
It was seemingly the final straw for Amorim. And the once untouchable United star was now up for the sale.
There have been links to Serie A, with AC Milan and Napoli emerging as the two frontrunners. Milan look to be the most likely destination, but recent reports suggest that there are concerns over Rashford’s fitness levels.
While Napoli are looking to appease their angry fanbase due to the impeding sale of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
Earlier this week Daily Star Sport reported that Rashford is unlikely to be shipped off to an English club – despite a host of sides showing interest in signing the 27-year-old on-loan for the remainder of the season. These include the likes of Tottenham, West Ham and Chelsea.
It’s understood United co-owner and INEOS chemicals group chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not willing to allow Rashford to go to one of his club’s immediate rivals.
Rashford was the local hero at United, he now looks set to leave with a whimper.