There is a little bit of uncertainty over the extent of Saudi Pro-League interest in Marcus Rashford, with some sources saying there have been offers, others saying there is firm interest and others distancing themselves – but it all boils down to the same thing.
Rashford is not interested in moving there.
The Manchester United forward still has England ambitions and feels they would be best served by staying in Europe.
It has been stressed from both sides there has been no significant fall-out between Rashford and head coach Ruben Amorim. However, Amorim was critical of Rashford’s performance in training and his general attitude ahead of the Manchester derby last month.
After leaving Rashford out of four games completely, Amorim restored the 27-year-old to his squad for the Newcastle game on Monday.
That Rashford remained on the bench throughout as United suffered a fourth straight defeat and their third without scoring told its own story.
I suspect there will be a move for Rashford before the transfer window closes, probably on loan initially, but it may take a while to sort.
If there is mixed messaging about the extent of Saudi interest in Rashford, there is none about Manchester United’s profit and sustainability position.
United have very little chance of adding new players to head coach Ruben Amorim’s squad without getting some out.
There is a long list of players they would be willing to trade – Brazilian duo Casemiro and Antony for a start – but they are on such huge wages, it is not entirely clear which clubs would be keen to sign them.
Paris St-Germain defender Nuno Mendes has been mentioned as a potential signing but the Portuguese is in contract negotiations with the French club, so United may be being used as a bargaining chip.
