Rio Ferdinand has spoken out about Marcus Rashford’s departure from Manchester United to Barcelona, questioning what has led to such a move, particularly in the context of the relationship between an academy player and the club.
It will come as a disappointment to nearly every Manchester United fan that Marcus Rashford is leaving for Barcelona. Still, there will also be a feeling of happiness at the fact that an Academy graduate gets to sign for such a huge club outside of United.
Rashford had a very successful time at his boyhood club, but in recent years, the relationship between the player and the club has become strained. Last season’s loan at Aston Villa was a success, and it feels like this loan will help elevate Rashford even more.
United agreed to a loan deal with Barcelona yesterday, with an option to buy expected to be included within the deal. There have also been reports that United are hoping to implement a penalty clause in a similar manner to the Jadon Sancho deal with Chelsea.
Rio Ferdinand has been speaking out recently, questioning how the situation has reached this stage and inquiring about the internal issues that led to this outcome.
Rio Ferdinand speaks on Rashford to Barcelona
The legendary United centre-back has expressed his views on the Rashford to Barcelona deal, and the former United defender is confident that the truth about what happened between the club and the player will eventually come to light.
Speaking on the situation on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: “There must have been so much going on behind the scenes that we’re just not aware of. And Marcus isn’t someone who really wants to talk and do interviews, so you have to respect that.
“But I’m sure it’ll come out in the wash at some point. Is it because of a lack of form? A lack of confidence? Mismanagement? Have the club failed him?
“Or is it down to him? Is there injuries we don’t know about? Has he lost that desire? That form is gone, and he can’t rekindle it and can’t get it back?
“What are the issues that have led to a young kid that’s a graduate of the Academy at Manchester United, which is famous for all of the great players that have come through there, that he says he wants to leave?”
It’s an interesting take from Ferdinand and raises several valid points regarding the situation. Rashford’s leaving is a shock and shouldn’t really be happening, all things considered, particularly considering he is better than a lot of players on the market that United would be aiming for.
Rashford leaving is right for now
It’s very sad to see Rashford leaving, but it feels like the right time. It’s likely Barcelona will make the deal permanent next summer, especially if Rashford performs to the levels he is quite clearly capable of when on top form.
The relationship between player and fan base is damaged, and it feels unlikely that it will be resolved while he remains at the club. It feels like a very good decision from Rashford to remove himself from the Manchester way of life and take a new challenge abroad.
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Wages being covered by Barcelona helps United massively, saving them up to £16m, and it feels like every aspect of the deal makes sense from both a player and a business perspective.
A sad end to what looked like a glittering United career for the academy graduate, but here’s hoping he finds that Rashford form at his next club.
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