With Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Manchester United, dressing room stability was something fans of the club craved. Unfortunately, Marcus Rashford’s interview declaration that he would be open to leaving kickstarted rumors of a rift with the boss. And now, the Englishman is being linked to a move to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.Â
The 27-year-old has spent his entire career at Manchester United, but in recent months, he seems to have fallen out of favor with both the Old Trafford faithful and the new manager.
With Rashford admitting that he is open to offers from other clubs, foreign teams are reportedly showing interest. Among them is Al Nassr, where Cristiano Ronaldo has called for a high-profile signing.
Take it or leave it, Marcus Rashford is a Manchester United legend 👌 pic.twitter.com/GgBHoAq06c
— Marcel (@UTDMarcel) December 23, 2024
The Saudi club is currently struggling in the league, sitting in fourth place, 11 points behind leaders Al-Ittihad—a situation Ronaldo is eager to change.
Rashford would ideally prefer to stay in Europe, but matching his £300k-a-week salary is a challenge few clubs on the continent are willing to take on. However, this would not be an issue in Saudi Arabia, a country known for lavishly spending on European players seeking a financial windfall or a cultural change.
Al Nassr isn’t the only Saudi Pro League club interested in Rashford; Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, and Al-Ahli are also in the mix (per The Mirror). From a sporting perspective, however, a move to Al Nassr seems the most logical choice.
Why Rashford could reunite with Ronaldo at Al-Nassr
Ronaldo, a Manchester United legend, returned to the Theatre of Dreams in 2021 for a two-year stint that was clouded by controversy. Manager Erik ten Hag, unwilling to grant the Portuguese forward—widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time—any special treatment, created friction that marked Ronaldo’s time at the club.
During this turbulent period, Ronaldo formed a connection with Rashford, which could influence the latter’s decision to choose Al Nassr over other suitors.
Further fueling speculation about Al Nassr’s pursuit of Rashford is their recent decision to part ways with forward Anderson Talisca, who is reportedly set to join Fenerbahçe.
Although leaving the grandeur of European football would represent a step down for Rashford, a move away from the relentless pressure of the Premier League might provide the reset he needs to rejuvenate his career.
