Marcus Rashford reveals he is ‘ready for a new challenge’ days after shock omission from Man Utd squad for derby triumph
MARCUS RASHFORD has admitted he is “ready for a new challenge” after being left out of the Manchester derby.
The Manchester United forward has struggled for form over the last 12 months.
It was thought that he would be given a fresh start under new manager Ruben Amorim after he replaced Erik ten Hag.
Rashford, 27, however, has not managed to convince the Portuguese coach that he should be a key player.
The forward, along with Alejandro Garnacho, was left out of the squad for Manchester United‘s victory over Manchester City.
The omission has come amid speculation that he could be sold by the Red Devils.
And now, Rashford has admitted that he is ready for a “new challenge”.
He told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”
Rashford continued to insist that when he does leave Man United, he would not have any “hard feelings”.
He added: “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.
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“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.”
He had previously been linked with the Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain when his deal was due to end in 2023.
However, he stayed at Old Trafford after extending his contract last year.
Pushed for his reaction to being axed from the derby squad, Rashford said: “It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.
“It’s disappointing but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks.
“What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it. Or do my best the next time I’m available.”
United boss Amorim insisted he was not “sending a message” with his selection.
But Amorim did say: “We try to evaluate everything – training, performance, game performances, engagement with team-mates, push their team-mates up.
“Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players. It is my selection. Simple.
“I don’t want to send a message it is simply an evaluation and they know it. The players are really, really smart.
“I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put your clothes to go to a game. Everything. I make my evaluation and then I decide.”
Meanwhile, Rashford has been fired a warning by team-mate Diogo Dalot.
The defender claimed that if players want to succeed at Man United they need to “suffer”.
Club legend Roy Keane has even insisted that leaving Old Trafford could be the best thing for Rashford.
He told Sky Sports: “We need to see how they react to this big disappointment of being left out of the squad in a big game – a big call from the manager… he’s putting a marker down to these players.
“I feel probably a move for Marcus definitely would suit the player.
“He’s been at the club a long time, a new challenge (would be good).”
Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its head
AMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.
The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.
But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.
Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…
Andre Onana – 6
He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.
Wasn’t tested that much however.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.
Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.
Harry Maguire – 8
Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.
The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.
Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7
A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.
Diogo Dalot – 5
Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.
Bruno Fernandes – 8
Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.
But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equalise
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.
Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8
The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s best performers on the day.
Mason Mount 13′ – 6
Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.
Amad Diallo 90′ – 9
The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez’ pass, he then clipped the ball past Ederson and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.
Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.
Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.
Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6
Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.
But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.
Subs
Kobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6
Did a solid job as he came on in a deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forward
Joshua Zirkzee 78′ – 6
Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.
Antony 78′ – 6
Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.
Leny Yoro 78′ – 6
Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.
Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6
No time to have any influence on the game.