When an 18-year-old forward by the name of Marcus Rashford took the world by storm for Manchester United in 2016, many people thought he was destined for the top. However, his career has not been as straightforward as many had predicted, and in recent years, the Manchester United forward’s career has somewhat stagnated.
Following a hugely impressive 30-goal season in 2022/23, many thought Rashford was back at his best, although this has not been the case. The United academy product followed up his best-ever goalscoring season with his worst in front of goal, scoring just eight times last campaign. Rashford has had an okay start to this season and has currently scored seven goals, yet has struggled for game time since the arrival of manager Ruben Amorim.
The two-time FA Cup winner is seemingly out of favour with the former Sporting boss and has not played a single minute for United since a 3-2 defeat at home to Nottingham Forrest in early December. So, with Rashford seemingly not in Amorim’s plans, a change of scenery could be possible. Sky Italia have reported that Italian giants AC Milan are interested in doing a deal for the former England international in the January transfer window that would see the 27-year-old join on loan with an option to buy. Rashford’s salary is a potential obstacle; however, it is reported that United could be willing to contribute to the payment of his wages.
Would a move to Milan from Manchester United benefit Rashford?
With Rashford’s time at his boyhood club looking increasingly likely to come to an end, a change of scenery could well be just what he needs to rejuvenate his career. Rashford could take inspiration from his former teammate Scott McTominay, who departed Old Trafford in the summer to join Napoli. McTominay has since become a fan favourite in Naples due to his exceptional performances this campaign as Napoli hunt for the Scudetto.
Rashford could also find it quite easy to settle in Milan as he would be the fourth English player at the club. Former Chelsea trio Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all currently play for the Rossoneri. Former teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also at the club in a senior advisory role.
Additionally, should Rashford join Milan and recapture his old form, it could be argued that his chances of returning to the England squad could drastically improve. Rashford was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 and has not featured for the Three Lions since their 1-0 loss to Brazil at Wembley Stadium back in March.
How could Rashford benefit Milan?
The Rossoneri have had an underwhelming campaign thus far and find themselves eighth in Serie A, five points off the European places, having recently sacked Paulo Fonseca and replaced him with former Porto boss Sérgio Conceição.
Frustratingly for Milan, influential attacking players such as Rafael Leão and Noah Okafor have recently sustained injuries, meaning they are looking quite light in attack, particularly in the left-wing position where Rashford plays. Leao is a particularly significant miss, as the Portuguese winger has had seven goal contributions this season.
Interestingly, Rashford, despite not playing for almost a month, has more goal contributions than anyone in Milan’s side. Currently, with ten goal contributions, Rashford has one more than Milan’s Christian Pulisic, who has nine. Therefore, If the Manchester United man was to make the switch to the seven-time European champions, then he could potentially be the focal point of their attack.
There is no doubt that Rashford, on his day, is a fantastic footballer. If Conceição can get the best out of him, then Milan would be adding undoubted quality to their already exciting front line. An inform Rashford, alongside the likes of Pulisic and Leao, would certainly make Milan’s attack one of the more exciting in Europe. As a result, this signing could be hugely beneficial to Milan as they look to climb the table and challenge for Europe.