Ian Wright has launched an impassioned defence of Marcus Rashford after critics slammed him for wanting to leave Manchester United for a ‘new challenge’.
The 27-year-old admitted earlier this week that he was ‘ready for a new challenge’.
Rashford said in an interview with Henry Winter: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps. When I leave it’s going to be “no hard feelings”. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.”
Manchester United fans banner aimed at Marcus Rashford tonight
"Excuses, ta ra Marcus" #MUFC pic.twitter.com/t3vBS8xQtm
— FootballAwaydays (@Awaydays23) December 19, 2024
The United academy graduate has caught flak for the omission, with some fans letting their feelings known during the Red Devils’ thrilling 4-3 defeat by Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Thursday.
This included a banner which read: “Excuses, Ta ra, Marcus.” But Arsenal icon Wright has leapt to Rashford’s defence, slamming those criticising him for wanting to try something new.
Ian Wright: Some Fans Are Desperate To See Marcus Rashford Fail
Following a debate over Rashford on the latest episode of The Overlap’s Stick To Football podcast, Wright insisted Rashford is capable of incredible things despite losing form in recent seasons for Manchester United.
And in a comment underneath an Instagram post from The Overlap, Wright made his feelings known.
“I got to Arsenal at 28, but you expect ME to write off someone with the ability Marcus has at 27!!!!” Wright wrote. “So many of you are desperate to see these young people fail so that you can say you were right!
Ian Wright defended Marcus Rashford on Instagram 👀 pic.twitter.com/O4jxoxjybN
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 20, 2024
“You would take one per cent of the career Marcus has had!”
Despite starting his professional football career later than most, Wright went on to score 182 goals in 293 appearances for the Gunners.
Rashford has 138 goals in 426 games for his boyhood club but has struggled to replicate his 30-goal campaign from two seasons ago.
Roy Keane Issues Warning To Rashford
In the same episode of Stick To Football, Manchester United legend Roy Keane warned Rashford that wherever he plays his football, he might not return to his best.
Keane said in response to Manchester United star Marcus Rashford’s interview: “I don’t actually mind what he said, although it’s a bit long, but it’s spot on.
“Sometimes a deal just works for everybody – it’s been going on for a year or two now. There’s obviously a bit of talent there and he’s been at the club since he was a kid. A change would probably do him a world of good, for him and his team and family to go abroad.
“My only warning for players like that – he [Marcus Rashford] has all those traits as a footballer. If you lose that hunger, it’s hard to get it back.
“We know that for great players, it’s nothing to do with money – it’s about the next challenge and your pride.”
Ruben Amorim Leaves Rashford Out
After being left out of the Manchester derby matchday squad, Rashford was nowhere to be seen for a second straight game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Ruben Amorim decided to leave the striker out again, just days after his bombshell interview.
Before his exit statement, there had already been reports that the Red Devils were willing to sell their academy star.
Reports have linked with him an exit to a number of clubs. The latest of which is Spanish side Atletico Madrid.
