Marcus Rashford is expected to leave Manchester United in the summer transfer window but former team-mate Juan Mata hopes that he'll stay put and be successful under Ruben Amorim
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 28: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United celebrates scoring their first goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal at Old Trafford on February 28 2016 in Manchester, England (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata were team-mates for Manchester United
(Image: Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Former Manchester United star Juan Mata believes that it'd be a 'win-win' if Marcus Rashford stays at Old Trafford. Rashford, 27, is expected to leave United this summer after being sent out on loan to Aston Villa for the second half of last season.
The England international isn't part of Ruben Amorim's plans and has had his No.10 shirt taken by new £62.5million signing Matheus Cunha. Rashford didn't return for pre-season training on Monday like the bulk of United's squad, as he's been granted additional time off to explore a move away.
Barcelona are the favourites to sign him but United's £40million asking price has put a fork in the road. But Mata doesn't want to see his ex-team-mate, who watched Rashford break through from the United academy, playing at the Camp Nou.
"As a Man United fan and as a friend of Marcus, I wish that he can succeed here because it's his club, his boyhood club," Mata told the Athletic. "I don't know what's going to happen but if he stays and he can actually be happy and enjoy, I think it will be a win-win situation for both the club and him."
The Spaniard, who currently plays for Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers, added: "I saw his first training (session) with us. I love him.
"As a kid, I called him 'the wonderkid'. The way he played was fearless, you could feel he could win a game by himself at any time when he was playing at his best."
But Rashford's recent actions suggest that his two-decade-long association with United is at an end. The forward no longer has 'Manchester United' in his social media bios and is keen to join Barca.
Last month, Rashford was asked by Spanish YouTube channel XBuyer whether he'd like to play alongside Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal in the future. "Yeah, sure," the 27-year-old replied. "Everybody in the world wants to play with the best. So hopefully, we'll see."
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BRUGGE, BELGIUM - MARCH 04: Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa looks on during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 first leg match between Club Brugge KV and Aston Villa FC at Jan Breydelstadion on March 04, 2025 in Brugge, Belgium. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford's time at Manchester United appears to be up
Rashford also suggested that he'd be an able backup for Barca talisman Robert Lewandowski, who turns 37 in August. "For me as I've got older, the No.9 position is becoming more comfortable, more natural," the United wantaway added.
"Small things, such as playing back to goal, it's becoming easier for me. You're always in front of the goal so you're always dangerous."
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