New Delhi: Manchester United moved closer to securing a spot in the Europa League last 16 after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Rangers at Old Trafford. However, the joyous occasion was tempered by uncertainties surrounding the futures of academy products Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford, with head coach Ruben Amorim admitting he “did not know what will happen” before the transfer window closes on February 3.
United’s ongoing financial struggles and the need to align with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) have placed the futures of several players under scrutiny. Among those linked with potential exits are Brazilian winger Antony and Dutch full-back Tyrell Malacia while Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has also been linked with a move away from the club for the last two transfer windows.
The exits of the three names mentioned above won’t be that upsetting for the fans but it is Garnacho and Rashford who remain the focal points of speculation and if they were to leave, that would be a huge blow for the club’s fans. Both Garnacho and Rashford are Carrington boys and are two of the best products to come out of Manchester United’s academy in this century but where does their future lie amidst this uncertainty?
Where does Alejandro Garnacho’s future lie?
Alejandro Garnacho, Manchester United’s 20-year-old Argentine winger, has attracted attention from major clubs, including Chelsea and Napoli. The youngster, who joined United from Atletico Madrid in 2020, has been a consistent performer, racking up 118 appearances and 23 goals since his 2022 debut. His eight goals in 32 matches this season underline his impact, yet his future remains uncertain due to United’s financial pressures.
Fellow Premier League club Chelsea have reportedly tabled a £60m bid for Garnacho, a figure aligned with United’s valuation. Selling Garnacho could provide much-needed financial relief as homegrown players’ sales directly benefit PSR calculations. However, such a move risks alienating fans who chanted his name throughout the win over Rangers, emphasizing their desire to keep him.
🔵🇦🇷 Chelsea and Alejandro Garnacho, official approach plus formal bid to follow as reported earlier.
Man United insist on €70m fee, not an easy one but Chelsea plan to try ⤵️✅ https://t.co/1uSjQPQfOi
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 23, 2025
Amorim praised Garnacho’s performance after the game, highlighting his improvement in positional awareness and versatility. “He’s a Manchester United player and was really important for us today,” said Amorim. “He has the potential to be so much better in every aspect of the game.”
Despite these words, the possibility of Garnacho’s departure looms large, particularly as the winger does not fit seamlessly into Amorim’s tactical system, which minimizes the use of traditional wingers. Former United defender Rio Ferdinand expressed sympathy for Garnacho, noting that the system hinders his ability to shine. “I don’t think he wants to leave, but the system goes against him,” Ferdinand said.
Will Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United come to an end?
Marcus Rashford showing support for the Man United team from the stands 🔴 pic.twitter.com/gK93CdyBhE
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 23, 2025
Marcus Rashford’s situation appears more straightforward yet equally unsettling. Despite being fit and participating in training, Rashford has not featured in United’s squad for nine of the ten games since his last appearance against Viktoria Plzen on December 12. Amorim’s lack of reliance on Rashford has fueled speculation about his future, with many believing the club is intent on moving him on.
Rashford, who turns 28 later this year, has been linked with potential moves to AC Milan and Barcelona. However, both options face complications. Milan’s acquisition of Kyle Walker fills their quota for English signings, while Barcelona’s ability to sign Rashford hinges on offloading players like Eric Garcia or Ansu Fati, who show little willingness to leave. Despite the uncertainty, sources close to Rashford maintain that he holds no animosity toward Amorim and remains open to playing for United again.
However, Ferdinand doubts Rashford’s long-term future at the club. “The club want to get him out,” he stated. “He needs to go to a new environment where he can rediscover his joy for the game.” Amorim has seemingly made it clear that he does not see Rashford as part of his plans and hasn’t even named the English International as part of his matchday squad on numerous occasions.
What’s next for them both?
United’s fanbase is vocal in its support for both Garnacho and Rashford, with many lamenting the potential loss of homegrown talents. The sale of Garnacho, in particular, could provoke significant backlash given his age, potential, and popularity. For Rashford, the narrative is one of rediscovery. Once a beacon of hope for United fans, his recent struggles have left many questioning his fit in Amorim’s system.
A move away could provide the fresh start he needs to reignite his career. However, it remains to be seen whether they’ll stay at the club come February or leave for good. While Amorim has said on record about Garnacho’s importance in the squad, the club might sanction his move if the price is right and Rashford could be out the door as well if he is able to find a club that meets his requirement.
As the transfer window draws to a close, United’s decisions will not only shape the squad for the remainder of the season but also define the club’s strategic direction under Amorim. Balancing financial realities with competitive ambitions will be crucial, and fans will hope that the club can navigate this delicate situation without losing the essence of what makes Manchester United special. The clock is ticking, and the futures of Garnacho and Rashford hang in the balance. Whatever happens in the coming days, the decisions made will have lasting implications for United’s present and future.
As we head into the final ten days of the winter transfer window, two of Manchester United’s best academy stars continue to face uncertainty over their club future. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
