'I rejected Man Utd transfer - I could still end up calling Marcus Rashford my teammate'

Christian Pulisic famously snubbed a move to Old Trafford in favour of Chelsea back in 2019. However, he could find himself playing with Marcus Rashford in the near future at a different club

Christian Pulisic snubbed a move to Manchester United in 2019, but he may soon end up playing alongside one of the club's biggest stars.

USA international Pulisic was the target of numerous Premier League clubs in the January transfer window six years ago - with the Red Devils and Chelsea among those with hopes of bringing the now 26-year-old to the English top flight. And while Pulisic could have ended up in the northwest had fate had other plans, he snubbed Old Trafford in favour of Stamford Bridge.

Pulisic was reportedly put off the managerial style of Portuguese mastermind Jose Mourinho at the time, and there were presumptions that he wasn't willing to utilise younger players. Speaking to The Telegraph in 2019, Robin Walker - who has remained close to Pulisic since he coached him in his youth at Brackley Town - explained: "I’m a Chelsea fan, I grew up in London supporting them.

"When I was in Dortmund last year, I told him that he had to come. He wouldn’t go to Manchester United because of Jose Mourinho. His father couldn’t stand Mourinho because he didn’t promote young players. It was at that point I asked, 'What about London? That’s where it’s at'.

"I was trying to sell the city. His agent agreed, saying, 'When you make these decisions, it’s all about investment and property'. I was delighted that he did sign." Instead of linking up with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial and Paul Pogba, Pulisic tried to fill the void left by Eden Hazard at Chelsea following the Belgian's mega-money move to Real Madrid.

The winger scored 26 goals and created 19 assists for the Blues across 145 appearances but ultimately failed to fill the shoes of the ever-impressive Hazard. He made a £20million move to AC Milan in July 2023, and has impressed under Stefano Pioli, Paulo Foncesca and Sergio Conceicao ever since.

And while he wasn't given the opportunity to play on the same side as Rashford during his Premier League days, the two men could soon link up at the San Siro. That's because Rashford's representatives have held talks with Milan regarding a potential loan move for the Manchester United forward.

Rashford's future in the northwest has been uncertain for some time now, with the 27-year-old - who has spent the entirety of his professional career at United - facing criticism over his body language and inconsistent performances. Rashford also broke rank last month to declare that he is ready to leave the club and take on a 'new challenge'.

The England star said: "I’m halfway through my career. I don’t expect my peak to be now. I’ve had nine years so far in the Premier League and that’s taught me a lot, that’s helped me grow as a player and as a person. So I don’t have any regrets from the last nine years."

Dwaine Maynard, Rashford's brother and agent, reportedly flew to Milan on Tuesday to hold discussions with the head of recruitment for the Serie A side. However, Pulisic himself could prove problematic towards Rashford's success with the outfit, as well as a highly-rated Rafael Leao, who plays on the left.

Pulisic predominantly plays on the right but can play behind the striker or on the left, and would no doubt command a place in the starting XI over Rashford on current form. However, Milan is currently looking like the 27-year-old's most likely destination, having already turned down three mega-money offers believed to be worth £35m from Saudi Arabian clubs.

Elsewhere, The Athletic reports that Borussia Dortmund are interested in exploring the possibility of bringing in Rashford until the end of the season. The Bundesliga giants have previously revitalised Jadon Sancho's career as he was in a similar position to Rashford in that he was struggling for game time. Sancho shone back at the German club, which ended up earning him a summer switch to Chelsea where he has continued to impress.

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