Marcus Rashford has been working individually at Manchester United’s training ground this week but he wants to gain a “priceless” experience before a potential exit.
Manchester United are planning to sell Academy graduate Marcus Rashford this summer after he fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim last term.
Rashford, 27, moved to Aston Villa on loan in January but the Midlands club decided against activating the £40 million buy-option included in that contract.
Barcelona is the dream move for Rashford this summer but any deal to the Spanish giants seems like it will have to wait until the end of the transfer window.
After being stripped of the club’s iconic no.10 shirt, which has been given to new signing Matheus Cunha, Rashford has been turning up at Carrington for pre-season this week but has not been able to train with the squad.
Before this week, it was reported that the England international wanted to take part in the full pre-season with United despite the uncertainty over his future.
Rashford explained “priceless” experience at United in 2022
It is no surprise that Rashford has been working at Carrington and trying to get the pre-season experience. He has rarely had the opportunity to have a full pre-season and even described that experience as “priceless” during the summer of 2022.
“For us, it’s definitely a positive thing to have a fully-fit squad ready to start the season. For me personally, it’s priceless to have the pre-season that I’ve had,” Rashford told club media after the summer tour that year.
“Sometimes I don’t really take as much note of it because usually we’re playing games in the summer and stuff like that, so the next season sort of just rolls onto the previous season.
“But this year I’ve had time to break, rest, recover mentally and physically, and then I’ve had a proper pre-season. I feel really happy. I’m pleased that I managed to do that.”
After that, Rashford went onto have a career-best campaign at Old Trafford, with 30 goals in all competitions for Erik ten Hag’s side.
Rashford wants that experience this summer
Rashford’s problem last season was a supposed lack of effort and professionalism behind the scenes. He is clearly trying to prove a point to Amorim.
The 27-year-old might think that his regular involvement at Carrington in these early days of the summer could convince Amorim to let him play a part in the squad’s preparations.
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It is not unheard of – Jadon Sancho played in every pre-season game last summer despite his frosty relationship with Ten Hag. Rashford wants the full pre-season experience and that will probably only happen at Old Trafford.
Importantly, Rashford also needs to not burn bridges too early. If his dream move to Barcelona fails and he somehow ends up staying at United, he still needs to play consistent football to be picked for England’s squad at the World Cup next summer.
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