Lee Sharpe Exclusive: 'Marcus Rashford needs to decide what he wants'

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe says Marcus Rashford must decide what he wants the rest of his career to look like amid the ongoing uncertainty surrounding his future. 

Rashford was dropped from the squad ahead of his side's Manchester Derby at the Etihad Stadium last month, with new United boss Ruben Amorim citing poor attitudes in training and around teammates as reasons for his omission.

The 27-year-old sat down with journalist Henry Winter in the weeks that followed and explained he's 'ready for a new challenge' after a poor run of form over the last 18 months. 

Sharpe: Rashford's departure looks inevitable

Rashford made his United debut in February 2016, scoring twice against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League under then manager Louis Van Gaal. 

He then netted in his first Premier League appearance against Arsenal three days later and has since amassed 143 goals in 440 appearances.

However, speaking exclusively to Odds Now via William Hill, Sharpe admits that it is unlikely Rashford will remain with his boyhood club following his interview last month. 

He said: "I think Marcus' future does now lie away from Manchester United. It’s very unfortunate it has come to this, but it looks like he will leave. 

"The key factor here is, with his wages being very high, no other Premier League team will be able to afford them."

Rashford has struggled to match his previous form in recent seasons. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

One option could be a move to the Saudi Arabian Professional League.

A large influx of Europe's top players have opted to make the move to the Middle East due to the large wage packets on offer, though Sharpe says a similar decision from Rashford would all but end his chances of competing in major tournaments for England moving forward. 

"Saudi is an option, but if Marcus chooses to go there, then I believe he will not be able to get back in the England squad, so he needs to decide what he wants in this situation.

"Another option is if there is a swap deal where United take a player from another club and Marcus goes in the opposite direction. But, going back to Marcus, he has achieved great things at the club, and for this to end the way it is, isn’t good for either party."

'Rashford has a lot on his shoulders'

Rashford's form initially skyrocketed in former manager Erik ten Hag's first season in charge. 

The English forward netted 30 goals in 56 appearances in all competitions, before seeing his form drop off a cliff in the following campaign, where he found the net on just eight occasions. 

Ten Hag has subsequently departed for Amorim, who saw Rashford open the scoring in his first game in the dugout away at Ipswich before making the decision to drop him from the squad ahead of the game at the Etihad. 

Sharpe wonders whether factors off the pitch are partly to blame for the Mancunian's demise. 

"I don’t know Marcus, but from what I have heard over the years, he is a nice guy. He isn’t massively vocal, he is quiet and considered in what he does and you look at off the field what he has done, 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 it’s toll.

Amorim hasn't started Rashford since United's victory in the Czech Republic last month. (Photo credit: Alamy Images)

"But he came on the scene and performing brilliantly for Manchester United. His record against the big sides is excellent and there is no doubt he is super talented as he has shown.

"I hope we see Rashford return to his best. It will be a shame to part ways with people remembering this current period, when it should be about his brilliant performances and goals he has scored."

AC Milan are currently favourites to sign Rashford, coming in at a best price of 4/1 with multiple sportsbooks. 

Barcelona and PSG also come in at 5/1, while Premier League rivals Arsenal sit at 10/1. 

Backing a move to any Saudi Pro League club is available at 14/1 with Sky Bet.

Sharpe was speaking exclusively to Odds Now via William Hill.

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