Rio Ferdinand reacts to Marcus Rashford seeking clarity on his United future

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The big story to break in the aftermath of Manchester United’s appalling derby performance, was uncertainty over Marcus Rashford’s future.

Fabrizio Romano tweeted on Monday morning, “Marcus Rashford is considering his future. He’s concerned about his lack of game time, source close to Man Utd forward tell me – he’s always been professional but he wants clarity.”

The timing could not possibly have been worse. If this has come from Rashford’s camp, it was incredibly ill-judged.

Former United defender Rio Ferdinand was quizzed about the development on his weekly FIVE video, and noted how well-sourced Romano is.

He expressed his view that this was very poorly timed from Rashford’s perspective, noting that the United forward is not in a position to make demands.

Rio not impressed

Ferdinand said: “If thats real…. you can only talk like that when you are playing well. You can only talk like that when you are putting in performances, and putting balls in the back of the net on a consistent basis and Marcus ain’t doing that right now.

“He hasn’t played well for a while now. He don’t look happy at the moment, he don’t look happy at United. I watch Marcus and it looks like he has the weight of the world on his shoulders, I’ve seen it for weeks.

“I don’t know where that information has come from. I hope it hasn’t come from Marcus’ camp, because I’d be embarrassed. You’ve gotta be playing well mate before you talk like that.”

Ferdinand went on to talk up Rashford’s ability, in terms of what he has shown before and what he hopes he is still capable of.

He said: “I love the way he plays, he’s a good kid. When Marcus used to get on that pitch he used to be electrifying.”

The key words there are ‘used to’, because Rashford has not played well this season and looks bereft of confidence.

He can be upset at not starting against City at the weekend, but ultimately that is down to his own poor performances, having been given at opportunity against Atletico and blowing it.

All this does is increase the pressure, spotlight and scrutiny on Rashford, which has contributed to him wilting this season amid the expectation for a successful campaign.

Rashford has made 295 appearances for United, the third highest in the current squad, behind only David de Gea and Cristiano Ronaldo.

This is one of the reasons we all look to Rashford and hope for better. He is not a young kid any more, and should be a consistent asset for the side. If he can’t be, then may be it is right for him to move on.