Journo shares Man Utd’s instant reaction to Rashford’s candid admission of wanting a ‘new challenge’

In a candid interview held with reputable journalist Henry Winter, Marcus Rashford has admitted he’s ready for a ‘new challenge’ away from Manchester United.

It’s a shame that it looks to be ending this way, really. Who’d have thought that, at 27 years old, the Wythenshawe-born, Carrington graduate would be left out of the manager’s squad for a Manchester derby amid speculation that he’s being pushed out of the club?

That, unfortunately, is the case. Rashford has often had to navigate a fluctuating reputation with the United faithful, whether that be due to his stagnant form or off-pitch antics – the same reasons cited as to why the board are looking to part ways after almost 20 years.

United is all that Rashford has ever known. He joined the academy at age seven and worked his way through to the first team to then play an integral role in his senior career, eventually being awarded the iconic No.10 following Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s departure and becoming the first homegrown player to don the jersey since Class of ‘92 icon David Beckham.

His contract at Old Trafford runs until 2028, meaning he – and transfer chiefs – will have to work to find a potential suitor for him to ply his trade outside of M16.

Rashford’s truthful future admission – and how United reacted

Rashford met with Winter today after using his day off to visit his old primary school. He handed out 420 Christmas presents to pupils at Button Lane, again showing that, regardless of people’s thoughts on his footballing skills as of late, his character can’t really be questioned.

“I do feel misunderstood, but I’m fine with it,” he told Winter after showing him some of the ‘utterly despicable’ DMS he receives. “I’m a very simple person. I love football. That’s been my life from the beginning.”

“It’s disheartening to be left out of a Derby,” Rashford admitted when quizzed on the matter. “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.

“For me personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps. 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.

“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.”

Roughly 40 minutes after the quotes were made public, Fredrik A. Filtvedt shared on X/Twitter: “Manchester United do not want to comment on whether they knew in advance about Marcus Rashford’s interview and statements. Nor what they think of the timing.”