By TAMARA PRENN
Published: 04:20 EST, 18 December 2024 | Updated: 04:29 EST, 18 December 2024
Paul Scholes has shared that he believes 'it's the end' for Marcus Rashford at Manchester United, just hours after the player announced his plans to leave the club in a bombshell interview.
A seismic few days for the 27-year-old started with events ahead of Sunday's Manchester derby, when the Carrington graduate was sensationally dropped from the squad altogether by new manager Ruben Amorim.
As reported by Mail Sport, the player was then sent home from training on Monday after being deemed to have a high temperature by the club doctor.
But few were prepared for Tuesday's statement, when the player gave an interview which suggested his leaving the club he has played for over the last two decades was a question of not 'if' but 'when'.
Likely hours before, however, his future had already been called into question by one of his club's legends.
In the wake of the derby snubbing, United icon Scholes suggested that the move from Amorim could be a watershed moment for the player.
Marcus Rashford's Manchester United future looks murky after a tumultuous few days
Both Rashford and fellow academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho were dropped from the squad
Man United legend Paul Scholes has suggested that the decision could call time on the player's spell at Old Trafford
'It feels like the end for him,' Scholes said on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, which was shared on Wednesday morning. 'He doesn't look happy, the lad.
'Even if he's scoring a goal. You think, what's wrong with him. Is he getting the right support behind the scenes?
'You don't know what's happening. But it did happen with (Erik) ten Hag, I think he was late for a meeting before theWolves game, and again, he's been left out of this squad. I think his on and off the field choices aren't quite right.'
Amorim was vague about his reason for dropped Rashford - and fellow academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho - but warned his players that although the exclusions would not be permanent, all of their behaviour and performance would be under scrutiny.
'I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put on your clothes to go the game,' Amorim told Sky Sports. 'Everything. I make my evaluation and then I have to decide. I have a lot of players to choose.'
Scholes was keen to add that he believes a change of scenery would be best for Rashford to recapture his best form - despite co-pundit Jamie Carragher questioning whether the player had ever lived up to his promise.
'I hate seeing local lads leave, especially when they're so talented,' Scholes continued. 'But I think the thing with marcus is, he was that good two years ago, when he had that season when he scored 30 goals - he's just never managed to get to that level again, and that's why he gets the stick.
'He produced the standard, and then for the past 18 months, two years, he's just been nowhere near.'
Ruben Amorim has insisted that while his decision is not a permanent one, players should consider all aspects of their attitude and performance
The Man United manager's move ultimately paid off, with the visitors going on to win the derby
When asked about the possibility of Rashford going to another club and succeeding, Scholes added: 'There's every chance that could happen. But he's not doing that for us.'
Even before Rashford's interview this week, speculation had been mounting that the club would be willing to entertain offers for their star.
Mail Sport reported at the start of the month that Man United had attached a £40million price tag to the player.
But while Rashford's future remains up in the air, he was adamant in conversation with journalist Henry Winter that any decision would be made openly and in good faith.
'For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,' Rashford said. 'When I leave it’s going to be “no hard feelings”. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.
'If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me.'
Marcus RashfordManchester United