Marcus Rashford's 'three reasons' for Man Utd exit bombshell - 'Hasn't dealt with it'

Premier League-winner Lee Sharpe has offered his two cents on Marcus Rashford's likely exit from Manchester United after the England forward has come under huge pressure at Old Trafford

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe has provided his theory on what caused Marcus Rashford to seek a shock exit from his boyhood club.

The out-of-favour forward recently revealed in a bombshell interview with Henry Winter that he's "ready for a new challenge" after struggling at Old Trafford in recent years. Rashford, 27, was dropped from Ruben Amorim's squad for Sunday's 2-1 derby win over Manchester City and was again omitted from Thursday's League Cup clash against Tottenham.

Sharpe, who won three Premier League titles and two FA Cups over eight years at United, has opened up about what he thinks has happened behind the scenes. Rashford has been at the club for 20 years, but Sharpe feels that the burden of being a hometown hero, results on the pitch, and the constant changing of managers have led to him wanting out.

"He is a quiet guy, he isn’t one to be too vocal around the dressing room, he has let his football do the talking and when he is on form there is no player like Rashford with his pace and finishing power," he told Mirror Sport, in partnership with William Hill. "The managerial changes and performances on the pitch from the team could well be something which is a reason for this.

"Plus also the weight of the club being on his shoulders with the pressure to lead from the front. With so much more media scrutiny and focus on the club than in our day, it could be a reason as well and Marcus hasn’t been able to deal with it."

Rashford first emerged as part of United's first team in early 2016 and became the club's youngest-ever scorer in his senior debut. His individual career peaked when he scored 30 goals and secured his second League Cup crown in the 2022/23 campaign, but the squad's struggles for consistency have impacted him as much as any other player.

Rashford faced criticism last season when he reportedly called in sick for training after an allegedly boozy trip to Belfast. Some of his detractors also picked on the forward for being distracted by off-field endeavours, though Sharpe lauded him for his work throughout the Covid-19 pandemic when he helped secure free school meals for children at risk.

"He is quiet and considered in what he does," he added. "And you look at what he has done off the field; it is remarkable with the food banks for children and those in need. It seems he has had a lot on his shoulders, and this may have taken its toll."

United face a difficult dilemma in what to do with their academy product in January when Rashford will be unlikely to fetch as great a fee compared to the summer transfer market. A parting of ways seems inevitable based on recent events, though Rashford isn't entirely to blame for his United career not panning out as hoped.

The 27-year-old played no part in United's 4-3 EFL Cup defeat against Tottenham on Thursday night and could also miss Sunday's clash with Bournemouth.

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