Marcus Rashford of Manchester United sits on the bench during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Manchester United
Lee Sharpe has outlined three reasons why he believes Marcus Rashford is set to quit Manchester United
Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe has shared his insights into Marcus Rashford's desire to part ways with his lifelong club.
The sidelined forward recently confessed he's searching for "ready for a new challenge" in a candid interview with Henry Winter. Rashford was notably absent from Ruben Amorim's squad for recent matchups against Manchester City and Tottenham.
Sharpe has speculated about the off-pitch dynamics influencing Rashford's decision to call it quits at Old Trafford. Despite being a product of United's youth system and devoting two decades to the club, Sharpe believes the pressures of being a local talent, poor results and managerial instability may have played a role in Rashford's wish to move on.
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"He is a quiet guy, he isn't one to be too vocal around the dressing room, he has let his football do the talking and when he is on form there is no player like Rashford with his pace and finishing power," he told The Mirror, in partnership with William Hill. "The managerial changes and performances on the pitch from the team could well be something which is a reason for this.
"Plus also the weight of the club being on his shoulders with the pressure to lead from the front. With so much more media scrutiny and focus on the club than in our day, it could be a reason as well and Marcus hasn't been able to deal with it."
Following his breakthrough into the United first team in early 2016, Rashford has risen to become a respected figure in the squad and one of the club's highest earners. The forward has been key to United's successes in recent years, winning two FA Cups, two League Cups, and the Europa League, but that experience has come at the cost of added expectations to perform.
The 27-year-old came under scrutiny last season when there were claims he missed training on the back of a trip to Belfast. Some critics pointed the finger at him for potential distractions off the field, yet Sharpe praised Rashford for his societal contributions during the Covid-19 crisis, notably for his campaign ensuring free school dinners for vulnerable children.
"He is quiet and considered in what he does," added the retired winger. "And you look at what he has done off the field; it is remarkable with the food banks for children and those in need. It seems he has had a lot on his shoulders, and this may have taken its toll."
As January approaches, United face a challenging decision concerning their homegrown talent, with Rashford potentially commanding a smaller transfer fee than in the summer window. The attacker played no part in United’s 4-3 EFL Cup defeat to Tottenham on Thursday and remains doubtful for Sunday’s game at home to Bournemouth.