Transfer News

Subterms

    Latest story

    225 Shares23 Views

    Man Utd warned Marcus Rashford decision could come back to haunt them if he joins Premier League rivals

    by

    MANCHESTER UNITED hero Lee Sharpe has warned his former club a potential exit by Marcus Rashford could come back to haunt them.Rashford, 27, made headlines last week when he strongly suggested he wants to leave United by stating he is “ready for a new challenge”.Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford strongly suggested he wants to leaveCredit: RexLee Sharpe claims a Rashford exit could come back and haunt Man UtdCredit: GettyThis comes amid two poor seasons with Man Utd in which the star forward has registered a mere 15 goals across both campaigns, which saw him getting cut from the team’s last three matches.That is a far cry from the England international’s staggering 30 goals and nine assists in 56 appearances in the 2022-23 season.Sharpe, 53, would hate to see Rashford leave after nearly two decades with the club but insists he needs to improve after a series of “moody” displays.The ex-United ace believes efforts should be made by both the club and manager Ruben Amorim to keep the winger and try to introduce him to the new 3-4-3 formation.Read Morwe on Man UtdThat is because the ex-England international claims Rashford could still go somewhere else – potentially a Premier League rival – and thrive there like he used to at Old Trafford.And that’s something that could have disastrous results for the Red Devils down the line.Sharpe told SunSport on behalf of William Hill: “I think after we saw Marcus Rashford a few seasons ago, I think the thing with it is, he is not playing great. “I don’t want him to leave [but he’s] not playing great, not on a high with the team struggling, with the new manager coming in with what could potentially be a whole new frontier for Manchester United. You know, this whole new system. Most read in Football”Maybe Marcus Rashford could fit into the system really well, and he could thrive in it, but manager’s only been there a few weeks. So it’s a bit difficult to say. “I would love Marcus Rashford to get back to what he was a couple of years ago, scoring 30-40 goals a season, absolutely destroying defenders and putting a shift in. Man Utd player ratings: Tyrell Malacia hooked after first-half disasterclass as Bruno Fernandes offers glimmer of hope”But at the moment he seems to be, I have to say, a little bit moody when he’s playing. “He’s not really working hard for the team, and he’s not really performing well. “So I would not like to let him leave now and then go somewhere else and thrive and come back and haunt the team.”Man Utd ratings vs Bournemouth as Malacia is hooked after horror first halfRUBEN AMORIM suffered his worst defeat of his short reign as Man Utd boss with a shocking 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.And his flops were easily second best all over the park to Andoni Iraola’s Cherries. SunSport’s Ian Whittell has provided his ratings of the Man United squad…Andre Onana – 5Shaky on ball and his nervousness in holding it too long was transmitted to United supporters.Bad conditions for a keeper but there were also some uncertain moments when he needed two attempts to grasp on to long shots.Noussair Mazraoui – 4Complained bitterly about the penalty he gave away but it was hard to make a case in his defence.Caught out, then panicked and tripped Justin Kluivert from behind to cap what was already an uninspiring display.Harry Maguire – 4All too often was second to the ball or simply failed to get hold of his man, with Evanilson too elusive for the United defender to shackle.Ruben Amorim believes Maguire is perfect for his three-at-the-back formation but the jury is still out on that one.Lisandro Martinez – 5Stood watching as Semenyo swept in Bournemouth’s third goal, the latest in a long line of defensive embarrassments from United.Seems to be struggling, like most of his defensive team mates, with the new system and incapable of doing even the basics.Diogo Dalot – 6Made a couple of good blocks and tried to become involved in attacking moments from wing-back, without having a huge impact.On a day when United’s defence was again found wanting, however, he was not the worst culprit.Manuel UgarteBooked for a cynical foul on Kluivert and too often struggled to cope with Bournemouth runners.Too much of the game passed him by and did not last even the hour as United chased the game.Kobbie Mainoo 6Like most of his team, guilty of some unforced errors but there was no faulting his work rate or drive.Created a great chance when he hounded Dean Huijsen off the ball and set up Bruno Fernandes but gave up the ball for Bournemouth’s third.Tyrell Malacia 3Terrible touch early on drew groans from the home fans, the first of a number of sloppy moments from the fit-again full-back.Predictable that he should give away the free-kick from which the visitors opened the scoring and hooked at half-time.Amad Diallo 7The big winner from the Rashford controversy and could have lit up Old Trafford early on but placed a good chance straight at the keeper.Not a performance on a par with his derby exploits but still looked United’s best hope of carving out a goal.Bruno Fernandes 8Playing higher, and wider, up the field these days and maybe there is a debate over whether that is the best use of his undoubted talents.But in the last five minutes of the first half alone, he had three good chances which might have brought an equaliser.Joshua Zirkzee 5Given the nod ahead of Rasmus Hojlund, a reward for some decent recent performances under his new manager but this was not one of them.Was the closest Red to Dean Huijsen as he headed Bournemouth in front though United’s defending was such a mess, it was not clear whether he was Zirkzee’s responsibility.SubstitutesLeny Yoro (for Malacia, 46) 4Came on as part of a much-needed half-time defensive reshuffle by Amorim but failed to add stability.Alejandro Garnacho (for Ugarte, 54) 5Had a chance when clean through just after Bournemouth’s third but hit it straight at Kepa.Rasmus Hojlund (for Zirkzee, 54) 6Looked like he might have a goal in him and at least forced Kepa into one good stop.Substitutes (not used): Altay Bayindir, Casemiro, Toby Collyer, Christian Eriksen, Jonny Evans, Antony. More

    More stories

    • 225 Shares23 Views

      in Soccer

      Ruben Amorim refuses to confirm Marcus Rashford return date as Gary Neville gives damning verdict on ‘inevitable ending’

      by

      RUBEN AMORIM will not offer a return date for Marcus Rashford, as United legend Gary Neville insists the England star may have played his last game for the club.For a third time in eight days, Rashford was left out of Amorim’s match day squad for the catastrophic 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth.Marcus Rashford’s return to Man Utd’s first team is still unclearCredit: GettyRuben Amorim let him out of the 3-0 defeat to BournemouthCredit: GettyHe was in attendance at Old Trafford on Sunday, in a club tracksuit, but has yet to be re-integrated into the squad – unlike Alejandro Garnacho who was, like Rashford was axed for last weekend’s Manchester derby win but has come on as a sub in the last two games.And former United skipper Neville believes the Rashford situation is in danger of becoming a distraction for Amorim and the club.He said: “It is not really big team news any more.“It is something of a norm, a pattern has developed over the last week. It was a surprise last weekend.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It is getting to the point where you leave him out three games on the bounce something really is obviously going wrong or has gone wrong.“And it is not looking great for both Marcus’ future at the club or Manchester United keeping him either.”I suspect it is getting to that point in the journey where it has got an inevitable ending.”It is a distraction for the manager. It does become obvious that he probably has to leave and that the club want him to leave – it will probably work for both parties.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWith the January window barely a week away, that prospect may come into focus in the coming days, with Neville citing recent examples of players who have benefitted from a move away.He said: “There are good examples as well of players who have struggled at United.Old Trafford starts LEAKING midway through Ruben Amorim’s Man Utd press conference as fans say ‘perfect metaphor’Gary Neville reckons the signs are clear that Rashford will goCredit: AFP“Jadon Sancho has gone to Chelsea and is doing better, Scott McTominay wasn’t struggling but he left to go to Napoli and he is doing well, so Marcus might think it is the right thing for him as well.”Amorim, meanwhile, still insists there is no disciplinary aspect to the decision to again leave him out – and simply cites the reason as a “selection” matter.Amorim said: “It’s my decision and it always will be.“It is selection. I want to see the best of my players and I try different things with different players. That’s my focus.”Amorim insists he has not ruled Rashford out of the Boxing Day visit to Wolves but did not offer any clarity.He said: “It depends. We will see.” More

    • 225 Shares14 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd and Chelsea ‘locked in transfer battle with European giants’ for former Man City star Leroy Sane

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane.Sane, 28, enjoyed four successful years at Manchester City, where he won two Premier League titles and the FA Cup, but returned to Germany in 2020.Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are eyeing Bayern Munich star Leroy SaneCredit: GettySane is also being targeted by Barcelona ahead of the January transfer windowCredit: RexHowever, the winger’s contract runs out in June and there has been no breakthrough in negotiations with the German giants so far.According to Sport, the standstill between the Germany international and the Munich outfit has led to intense interest from some of Europe’s elite clubs.Among them are United, Chelsea as well as Tottenham ahead of the January transfer window.However, the Premier League trio could face competition from Barcelona, who are very interested in Sane.Read More on FootballBarca need more quality down the wings especially after losing Lamine Yamal to injury.That has led to reports suggesting the Blaugrana are keeping tabs on Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.However, Barcelona’s financial woes are pushing them towards more affordable cases, such as Sane who could become a free agent in the summer.However, the German prefers to stay in the Bundesliga despite the complicated contract talks with his current club.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBayern would prefer to agree on a new deal with a lower salary, especially considering the options down the wing with Jamal Musiala, Serge Gnabry, Michael Olise and Kingsley Coman available.Sane has scored just five goals and bagged one assist in 19 appearances this season.Leroy Sane shoves Marc Cucurella in Euros clashIn his career at Bayern, he has 53 goals and 51 assists in 194 matches.Sane was once highly thought-of at Man CityCredit: EPA More

    • 213 Shares21 Views

      in Soccer

      Tottenham ‘given green light to sign goalkeeper’ and could turn to £20million England star in January transfer

      by

      TOTTENHAM have given Ange Postecoglou the green light to sign a goalkeeper from the EFL, according to reports.Spurs have been without No1 Guglielmo Vicario since November when he was ruled out with an ankle injury.Ange Postecoglou has been given the green light to sign a goalkeeperCredit: APJames Trafford is Spurs’ No1 targetCredit: GettyGuglielmo Vicario is out with a broken ankleCredit: ReutersFraser Forster came into the side as his replacement but has made mistakes, including passing the ball to a Manchester United attacker in his own box in the Carabao Cup.Tottenham are ready to bring in another keeper and have identified Burnley stoppe James Trafford as their first choice target, report The Mirror.Postecoglou has reportedly been given the green light to make a move for Trafford, who could cost £20million.Trafford received his first call-up to the England senior squad last month and boasts 19 Under-21 caps.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe joined Burnley in the summer of 2023 and made 28 Premier League appearances last season.His performances attracted the attention of Newcastle but they were unable to agree a deal with Liverpool.Vicario is expected to be out injured for a few more months, so Fraser will deputies unless a replacement is found.Spurs have also looked at Sunderland’s young keeper Anthony Patterson as well as Sheffield Wednesday rookie Pierce Charles.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPostecoglou is happy enough with Forster in the mean time, despite his mistake against United.He said: “He’s disappointed as well, because he was outstanding for us. He didn’t have a lot to do before then. And even the first half, I thought he was really good with his feet.Under-fire Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou says being a football manager is a harder job than prime minister“The first one probably affected his confidence a little bit. He lost a bit of belief, and that second one just compounded it. But he’s a big boy and is another one that’s stood up for us big-time in this period. I can’t speak highly enough of him.” More

    • 200 Shares28 Views

      in Soccer

      Ben Chilwell facing six months on the sidelines as Chelsea have ZERO offers for £190k-a-week defender

      by

      BEN CHILWELL is facing another six months on the Chelsea sidelines as they have not had any offers for the England defender.Blues boss Enzo Maresca described Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka as “the first that want to leave” this week — but a move is proving difficult.Chelsea ace Ben Chilwell has received no offers ahead of the January transfer windowCredit: PAChilwell’s stint on the Chelsea sidelines may continue until the summerCredit: GettyChilwell signed a new four-year deal on around £200,000 a week last year before being exiled from the first-team squad by Maresca for tactical reasons this season.The star, who turned 28 on Saturday, is on wages that are too high for most Premier League and European clubs.Even previous suitors Brentford, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are not after a left-back next month.Chilwell has only played once this season and been an unused sub once, both in the Carabao Cup.Read More on ChelseaHe was not included in the Conference League squad with the rest of Maresca’s fringe players and that will not change for the knockout stages after Christmas.Maresca has sympathy for Chilwell but does not plan to change his stance.He said: “There are players that unfortunately they didn’t play a lot with us in all the competitions, like Chilwell, like Carney.“Probably they are the first that want to leave as they work every day, they train every day, they want to play games — and if they don’t play games they are thinking of leaving.Most read in Football“So we’re going to see if some of them are coming to knock on the door and say I want to leave. For each player it’s a different situation.”Chilwell joined Chelsea from Leicester in 2020 following a £50million deal.Chelsea’s Stellar Performance: Player Ratings vs Shamrock Rovers (1)The full-back has since amassed a total of nine goals and 12 assists in 107 appearances.The England international also won the Champions League as well as the Uefa Super Cup with the Blues in 2021. More

    • 225 Shares26 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea looking to snap up Sporting Lisbon midfield sensation Dario Essugo on cheap but face Leeds transfer scrap

      by

      CHELSEA want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheap.The Sporting Lisbon prospect, 19, is starring for LaLiga side Las Palmas on loan.Chelsea want to land midfield ace Dario Essugo on the cheapCredit: GettyBut long-term admirers Blues must act fast as Leeds are looking at securing a loan-to-buy deal.SunSport this month revealed how Leeds were keeping tabs on the midfield dynamo. They tried for the 19-year-old in the summer and now want to offer a loan-to-buy arrangement.Essugo played 25 times for Sporting as a teen.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn the summer, former boss Ruben Amorim – now at Manchester United – decided to loan him out.He has spent this season in LaLiga with Las Palmas.Essugo has played 10 times for his loan club so far.And he scored his first goal during a match against Mallorca last month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Leeds are also set to sign Australian keeper Robbie Cook after a trial.Cook, 17, was wanted by Manchester United and Sunderland.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ More

    • 188 Shares39 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd considering LOAN deal for Marcus Rashford in January to avoid situation turning toxic

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are considering sanctioning a loan deal in January for Marcus Rashford as the toxic fallout of his recent comments grow.Insiders at Old Trafford fear the situation is fast becoming untenable and that the only solution may be to get the England striker “out of the picture” for a while.Man Utd are considering sanctioning a loan deal in January for Marcus RashfordCredit: EPAManchester United fans and a Marcus Rashford banner v Tottenham HotspurCredit: TNT SportUnited would not loan Rashford to a Premier League rival – ruling out any chance of a switch to Arsenal or Chelsea, who have both reportedly been interested in strikers to boost their firepower.But several clubs in Spain, France and Germany are monitoring the situation and could be interested in giving Rashford an escape-route from his Utd hell.SunSport understands the last 48 hours have caused a huge amount of unrest inside the club.New manager Ruben Amorim spent most of his pre-match press conference against Spurs dealing with questions on Rashford.READ MORE IN footballHe was then pressed on it again after the game, and is likely to be asked in the build up to United’s next game against Bournemouth on Sunday.Amorim said: “We are better with Marcus Rashford, that is simple, and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past.”This kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.”Nothing has changed. We believe in Marcus. Marcus is a player of Manchester United, so there’s no change.” Most read in FootballWhy Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt comes after Rashford sensationally told journalist Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”Although Amorim has said Rashford is a part of the squad and could have a future at the club, it’s widely accepted now that he will leave in a permanent deal at the end of the season.Ruben Amorim responds to Marcus Rashford’s Man Utd transfer bombshell about wanting ‘new challenge’ Until then a loan-move would help cool the heat around the situation, as well as giving Rashford the chance to put himself in the shop window.Rashford and his advisors know a mega-money deal will be on offer from Saudi Arabia.But the player isn’t thought to be interested in such a move as he still believes his best years are ahead of him.He’s also told pals he still believes he can force his way back into the England squad, where Thomas Tuchel will soon face the task of finding a long-term replacement for ageing skipper Harry Kane.Although a Premier League switch can’t be ruled out, those close to Rashford think he prefers the idea of a total reset by switching to a foreign club where he can look to rebuild his career.Ruben Amorim has said Rashford is a part of the squad and could have a future at the clubCredit: Getty More

    • 225 Shares28 Views

      in Soccer

      Cesc Fabregas could offer Dele Alli a return to football as Arsenal legend ‘likes ex-England star a lot’

      by

      DELE ALLI could be set for a major return to football in Serie A by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.Dele, 28, has been a free agent since June but continued to train with former club Everton while looking for his next challenge.Dele Alli could return to football after leaving Everton in JuneCredit: GettyComo manager Cesc Fabregas is keen to sign Dele in the Serie ACredit: RexThe versatile midfielder used to be one of the best players in the English top flight thanks to some stunning performances with Tottenham, where he spent seven years.The ex-England international burst onto the scene in 2015 and went on to amass 67 goals and 58 assists in 269 appearances, which included a place in Spurs’ starting line-up in the 2019 Champions League final.However, Dele fell out of favour and ended up leaving the North Londoners in 2022 to move to Everton where he underwent a series of injury setbacks and a hapless loan stint at Besiktas.The playmaker then revealed in a brave and heartbreaking interview that he became addicted to sleeping pills after his rough spell in Turkey and opened up about his difficult childhood.Read More on FootballAfter that, the ex-Tottenham star revealed he is determined to make a dynamic comeback and is now targeting a return to England ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Dele’s resurgence could be put together by one of his beloved Spurs’ biggest rivals in Arsenal and Chelsea legend Fabregas, 37.The Barcelona hero manages Italian outfit Como, where he is also a minority shareholder.Dele was spotted in the stands alongside Hollywood A-listers Keira Knightley, Adrien Brody and Michael Fassbender at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia watching Como beat Roma 2-0 on Sunday.Most read in FootballThat led to reports suggesting the fallen England star would start training with Fabregas and co come Boxing Day before signing a deal with the club.And Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi confirmed “something interesting could develop” and revealed the manager “likes him a lot”.Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panelLudi told TMW Radio: “In ideal conditions, he’s of interest to everyone.“We have an excellent relationship with his agent, and something interesting could develop, but we can’t know for sure yet.“We need a few weeks, including time to get to know each other, and then we’ll make the best decision. “A percentage? It’s too early to say. We’ll go through a period of training and mutual understanding, but Fabregas likes him a lot.” More

    • 238 Shares32 Views

      in Soccer

      Three ways Arsenal could line up with Marcus Rashford as wantaway Man Utd ace is tipped for sensational transfer

      by

      ARSENAL could be able to line up in three unique ways if they sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.The England forward has revealed he is ready for a “new challenge” after falling down the pecking order under Ruben Amorim.Arsenal could fit Marcus Rashford into three different systems if he joins them from Man UtdCredit: PAUnited’s new boss insists he wants to keep Rashford at Old Trafford.But the versatile winger is on an eye-watering £325,000-a-week package.And with Sir Jim Ratcliffe making no secret of his desire to cut back on spending, Rashford could be heading off sooner rather than later.There are sure to be plenty of suitors available depending on United’s asking price.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLParis Saint-Germain are among foreign teams who have long-term interest in Rashford.But should he stay in the Premier League, Arsenal could end up being his ideal home.Mikel Arteta has transformed the Gunners from has-beens into title contenders.Their resilient style of play relies on moments of magic from superstars like Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka – something Rashford has in spades.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd should the 27-year-old make the move to north London, Arsenal could be able to fit him into three systems.The Gunners tend to play a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kai Havertz leading the line while being supported by Odegaard and Saka.Gary Neville hits out at ‘Moping’ Rashford and Garnacho and has heated argument with Micah Richards live on Sky Sports Arteta currently has a number of options to fill the final attacking spot on the left, including Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling.But the position would likely open up immediately for Rashford should he join Arsenal.The 2022/23 campaign saw him slam home 30 goals from that position.And should he rediscover that form at the Emirates, it would surely be a game-changer for the recently goal-shy Gunners.A variation of that system could also see Rashford slot in as a striker.Arteta sometimes prefers a technical dribbler like Martinelli or Trossard out wide.And Rashford’s speed could make him a preferable option to the rangier Havertz through the middle.Arsenal are also no strangers to an all-out attack when they are in desperate search of a goal.READ MORE SUN STORIESA 4-2-4 formation has occasionally been used when chasing a game.And that could see Rashford take up a position as the left-central forward, giving him support to the left as well as two options on the right.Why Rashford joining Arsenal is perfect fitBy Martin LiptonMARCUS RASHFORD is at a crossroads.But now the England star has to make the biggest choice he has ever faced – does he care about cash, or about his career?Rashford’s shock admission that he is “ready for a new challenge” after some two decades under the Manchester United umbrella has altered the dynamic around his future.That Rashford might not fit the blueprint of Ruben Amorim – who has now responded to Rashford’s comments – was not exactly a surprise.The Portuguese coach prefers a 3-4-3 formation but appears to have settled on Rasmus Hojlund as his starting central striker and wants two “narrow” inside forwards, with the width coming from the wing-backs.Rashford has always wanted to play through the middle but is often at his best exploiting spaces out wide – and that skillset does not necessarily suit the way Amorim wants to play.Even so, going public with his evident dissatisfaction at being bombed entirely from the squad for the Manchester derby was a major move, even if he vowed there would be “no hard feelings” if he does leave his boyhood club.In truth, Rashford has been leaving United almost from the moment he signed that new £325,000 per week contract in 2023.Something was broken in his connection to the club. His form dropped, his threat dissipated, his issues with the hierarchy deepened.When Erik ten Hag dropped him for hosting a birthday party after a derby defeat, and he later pulled a sickie to miss the FA Cup game with Newport, it felt even then that the writing was on the wall.The facts suggest the love affair has ended. After scoring 30 in all competitions to earn that new deal, he has scored just 15 in the 18 months since it was signed.Amorim’s arrival seems merely to have accelerated what was increasingly inevitable.Now, though, it is up to Rashford to determine what his future will bring.If it is only about the money, then his options might be somewhat limited.It is hard to see a Prem rival coughing up the same £16.9m annual salary – although Rashford’s comments have probably knocked £20m-plus off any transfer fee, even next month.But Real Madrid have their fill of big-money strikers and Barcelona’s budget remains restricted by La Liga financial controls.In Europe, then, that probably leaves PSG – but a move to a one-club league.Or, in the wider world, he could follow the likes of Ivan Toney, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roberto Firmino and Co and head to the Saudi desert.Lucrative, yep. Certainly a different environment – and that may be exactly what Rashford both wants and needs. But the football? Not in a million years.What Rashford needs, above all, is to be able to play for trophies and showcase his talents.There is no better stage than the Premier League – which has far more global eyeballs on it than any other domestic competition.And in that Premier League there is one club crying out for a goalscoring No 9, especially if he can also play down the left channel to balance out the side and widen its threat.Rashford has always been more Longsight than London.Yet Arsenal, and Mikel Arteta, might be the perfect fit.The Gunners’ lack of a proper scorer is one of the major factors many fans feel has hurt their title challenge this year.Gabriel Jesus has never been a natural finisher, while Kai Havertz is still a converted midfielder.And while the link-up between Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka makes their right flank deadly, faith in Gabriel Martinelli on the left is waning.There have not been too many who succeeded at Arsenal after leaving United – although Danny Welbeck was not a flop.Rashford has all the attributes to change that history, if he can reproduce what everybody knows is inside him.And by breaking free, giving himself the chance to start all over, Rashford can make a point to Amorim that will resonate for a very long time. More