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The 'real reason' why Man Utd are open to selling Marcus Rashford after bombshell update on forward's future

New details have emerged on Marcus Rashford and a potential transfer away from boyhood club Manchester United.

Rashford, 27, has spent the entirety of his professional career with United after first breaking into the team back in 2016.

He's gone on to score 138 goals in 425 games for United, becoming a key member of the squad and the highest earner at the club.

But he has also struggled for consistency and has failed to kick on after signing a new five-year deal worth a reported £325,000 per week in 2023.

Rashford's inconsistent start to the season, as well as the sacking of Erik ten Hag and appointment of new head coach Ruben Amorim, has led to speculation around his future.

And several publishers are now claiming that United are willing to part ways with the England international.

Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg claimed on Tuesday that United have already held talks over selling Rashford and could be ready to do deal in the January transfer window.

Plettenberg stated that the sale of Rashford would 'free up critical points in the complicated Financial Fair Play system' and allow United 'room to maneuver in the transfer market'.

The Telegraph has now shed more light on United's stance in a potentially worrying update for the clubs supporters.

It is claimed that United are concerned about Rashford’s lifestyle off the pitch and there are fears he is no longer as focused on his football as he could be.

Unnamed sources have told the Telegraph that Rashford is dealing with a number of off-field distractions that are affecting his performances. So far, he has managed seven goals in 23 appearances this season in all competitions.

Rashford was fined two weeks' wages in January after he was pictured drinking in Belfast and was later dropped for the team’s FA Cup win over Newport County after reporting ill on the Friday before the game.

SPORTbible has contacted Manchester United and Rashford representatives for comment.

Earlier this year, Rashford claimed he is judged more harshly than other footballers and suggested there is 'a tone' to reporting of his behaviour, particularly on issues away from the football pitch.

Rashford has struggled for consistency this season (Image: Getty)

Rashford has struggled for consistency this season (Image: Getty)

In a first-person piece for the Players' Tribune website entitled 'Who I really am', Rashford wrote: "It can't just be about me as a 26-year-old lad on a night out, or a lad getting a parking ticket.

"It's got to be about how much my car costs, guessing my weekly salary, my jewellery or even my tattoos. It's got to be about my body language and questioning my morals and speculating about my family and my football future. There's a tone in it that you don't get with all footballers.

"Let's just leave it at that."

Like Plettenberg's report, the Telegraph also claim the sale of Rashford is seen as 'attractive' to United given their profit and sustainability (PSR) concerns - with any money gained from a transfer viewed as pure profit.

While United are said to open to selling Rashford in January, it is claimed that the chances of finding a buyer mid-season are 'remote' - with a 'greater chance of him being offloaded' in the summer.

A move to the Saudi Pro League has been touted as one option while long-term admirers Paris Saint-Germain are another.

Rashford's representatives reportedly met with PSG chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi in 2022, and the French club made another approach for the forward in 2023 before he committed himself to United with a new contract to 2028.

PSG were also interested in signing Rashford as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe prior to his move to Real Madrid, although an official bid failed to materialise.

teamTALK claim PSG retain an interest in Rashford but it remains to be seen whether they will make an attempt to sign him in January.

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