Alan Shearer would be “astonished” if Marcus Rashford returns to Manchester United this summer, despite his rejuvenation at Aston Villa. After being frozen out by Ruben Amorim, who openly questioned the England forward’s attitude, he joined Villa on loan in the January transfer window.
It has proven to be an astute move for both Rashford and Villa, who are chasing FA Cup glory and a top-five finish in the Premier League, which would mean a return to the Champions League following this season’s run to the last eight. Meanwhile, United have continued to flounder in the Premier League, although they are through to the semi-finals of the Europa League, which will see the winners rewarded with Champions League football.
Rashford’s sparkling form under Unai Emery has led to speculation that he could weave his way back into Amorim’s thoughts. However, Shearer sees no way back to Old Trafford for the 27-year-old.
“I’d be astonished if there’s a career for him at Manchester United, not while Amorim’s there,” said Shearer on The Rest is Football podcast with Gary Lineker and Micah Richards.
“He’s made it clear he doesn’t want him. Man United are in the mire in the Premier League and yet he thinks to get him out of the club is the best answer. There’s no way he’s going back there while Amorim’s there.”
Meanwhile, Lineker says a return to United shouldn’t be completely ruled out, provided he maintains his form until the end of the season. The Match of the Day hosts believes there will be plenty of interest from elsewhere in Rashford.
“As far as Marcus is concerned, you just get your head down and keep playing, keep performing at this sort of level, then things will take care of itself,” said Lineker.
“If he keeps going with this incredible attitude he’s developed now…. He wants to prove a point, I imagine, [although] he would never say that.
“He will want to prove a point, not just to Manchester United, not necessarily to the fans, but also to himself, because he’s had a bit of stick. He’s had a real issue with the two most recent coaches at Manchester United. Now he’s gone off.
“What he does at the end of the season, who knows? I can’t see him back at Manchester United but what he’s doing now, if he keeps scoring goals and creating chances…
“We know, when Marcus is on it, he’s an absolutely enthralling footballer. So let’s hope he can carry on until the end of the season. If he does that, if he keeps his form, then he’ll have really good choices at the end of the season, whether it’s to go back to Manchester United, whether Aston Villa try to keep him or whether other clubs go, ‘This is the Rashford we know’.”
For now, Rashford will be focused on Villa’s huge showdown with fellow Champions League chasers Newcastle on Saturday evening. Villa, in seventh, are five points behind third-place Newcastle.
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