Marcus Rashford is reportedly open to leave Manchester United if he does not receive regular minutes in the coming months, amid interest from Real Madrid
According to a report from The Sun, Marcus Rashford will have no qualms in engaging in talks with Real Madrid over a possible switch to the Santiago Bernabeu. The 21-year-old is seeking assurances of regular game time to stay put at Manchester United, who are set to offer him a bumper new deal.
Rashford’s future at Manchester United has become a subject of intense speculation of late. With starts not being handed regularly to him, the English international has unsurprisingly grown frustrated over the reduced game time that has been coming his way for much of 2018.
Invariably, his output has suffered as well, with Rashford only managing to find the back of the net twice for Manchester United this season – he has more goals in fewer friendly appearances for England. As a result, some top clubs across Europe are fancying their chances of signing him, the latest among them being Real Madrid.
Los Blancos have struggled considerably in the first three months of the season, with the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo hitting them hard. Indeed, scoring goals on a consistent basis has been a problem for Real Madrid, although Santiago Solari is hoping to change that with appropriate signings in the coming two transfer windows.
Identifying Karim Benzema’s long-term successor is also a priority, and to that end the European champions have turned their attention towards Manchester United, with Rashford a top target. Solari is known to be a huge admirer of the English striker, whose representatives have now been approached by Real Madrid.
Rashford’s current stance is that he is not ready to leave boyhood club Manchester United just yet. But, the player is unsurprisingly concerned about his development, with Jose Mourinho not naming him in the starting lineup on a regular basis – the 21-year-old has started just 5 of the 12 Premier League games that United have played this season.
If his struggles continue in the coming months, the young attacker could change his stance and indulge in talks with Real Madrid over a possible switch. Manchester United though, are hoping to tie Rashford down to an improved contract, although they will surely need to give assurances over regular game time to their prized asset.
Tying Rashford down to a bumper new deal would also help preserve his transfer value, which currently stands at around £50 million, as per the report. For now, Manchester United can rest easy in the fact that the academy graduate is somewhat committed to the club.
However, with Real Madrid lurking, they will need to convince him over his future and position at Old Trafford, lest they risk losing a fine prospect.
