Marcus Rashford has ruled out a move to Arsenal and is set to remain at Manchester United beyond Tuesday’s transfer deadline.
Representatives of Arsenal and Rashford had considered negotiating a late loan move for the forward, with Gabriel Martinelli’s imminent departure for Al-Hilal leaving Arsenal in sore need of a left winger.
Rashford, however, has rejected the prospect of joining United’s Premier League rivals and wants to compete for a place in Michael Carrick’s side.
It means Rashford will at least complete this season at United, his first in almost two years. He spent last season on loan at Barcelona and before that he spent six months at Aston Villa.
Rashford had favoured a return to Barcelona, but they ultimately chose not to trigger the £26m release clause in his contract. The Catalan club instead signed Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, closing off the route back to Spain.
Rashford also rejected interest from Fenerbahce, despite the Turkish club wanting to make him a major signing. His £325,000-a-week wages have further narrowed the number of clubs able to take on a permanent deal.
Carrick’s support has also helped change the outlook at Old Trafford. The United manager has been pleased with Rashford’s work in training since his return and has indicated that the forward has made a strong impression alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martínez.
“It’s been pretty obvious since Marcus came back training with Kobbie [Mainoo] and Licha [Martinez] pretty much in Dublin that he’s come back fantastically well, you know,” Carrick said.
Rashford returned to competitive action in United’s defeat by Hull City, coming on at half-time for Patrick Dorgu.
Marcus Rashford could be the gem Manchester United did not ask for but needed
Without a doubt, when Rashford is playing at his best, he can offer something United don’t currently have on the left wing. When in form, he can be far more direct than their other options, running at wingers and driving into the box.
When United are building from deep he can look to make runs in behind that can be picked out by midfielders or even centre-backs, a similar role to the one Bryan Mbeumo played on the right under Ruben Amorim.
