LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 04: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal reacts during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and AFC Bournemouth at Emirates Stadium on May 04, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images) (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has been recently linked with a shocking move to old rivals Arsenal.
The 27-year-old has been a fan favorite at Old Trafford since his rise to prominence in 2016. Nonetheless, the Englishman is enduring what is arguably the darkest period of his playing career thus far.
Rashford has fallen on hard times both on and off the pitch, and he apparently hit rock bottom when he and his teammate Alejandro Garnacho were dropped from the matchday squad for the Derby showdown against Man City.
The duo weren’t too missed, as Amad Diallo inspired a sensational comeback victory in the final minutes. Man United boss Ruben Amorim explained the decision as “technical”, suggesting that the two players must work harder in training to reach the required level.
Sunday’s omission has only added weight to the previous reports that have been linking the England international with a move away from Old Trafford.
But while the player has been even suggested as a potential candidate to join Mikel Arteta’s squad, Arsenal insider Charles Watts finds it unlikely.
Rashford scoring against Spurs
Marcus Rashford of Manchester United (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
The journalist feels the Gunners have a solid attacking front, so they don’t need to bet on a player who’s out of form, especially given how Raheem Sterling’s gamble has panned out thus far.
I don’t think so to be honest. I’m just not sure he’s what they need,” wrote Watts in his latest column for the Daily Briefing.
“If he was still the Rashford of a couple of years ago then my thoughts would be different. But if that was the case then he would be playing week in, week out for United right now.
“But he’s not and there’s a reason for that. So if Arsenal, or anyone else, were to move for him in January then they would be doing so in the hope that he could rediscover his best form again.
It would just be a bit of a gamble. Similar to what Arsenal did with Raheem Sterling in the summer and that’s certainly not been a gamble that has paid off. Rashford would be a far more expensive one as well.”