Former Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Marcus Rashford’s time at the club is effectively over after manager Ruben Amorim made a controversial remark regarding the player’s commitment.

Rashford, who hasn’t featured for United since December 12, has been consistently excluded from Amorim’s matchday squads. The only exception was one game, where the England international was left on the bench as an unused substitute.

When questioned about Rashford’s absence in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Fulham, Amorim delivered a sharp critique, highlighting the 27-year-old’s lack of effort in training. He went so far as to compare Rashford unfavorably to Jorge Vital, United’s 63-year-old goalkeeping coach.

“The reason is the training, what I believe a footballer should give in training, in life, and every single day,” Amorim stated. “I would select Vital before putting in a player who doesn’t give their maximum effort every day.”

Amorim’s blunt comments have drawn widespread attention, as the manager has become known for his fiery statements since taking charge in November.

Reacting to the situation on his podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents, the former United defender criticized Rashford for being in such a position.

“If I were the player the manager spoke about in that way… absolute embarrassment,” Ferdinand said. “We all have off days or periods where we’re not at our best, but effort? That’s not something I’d ever want a manager to question about me.

“That’s a damning comment, and Amorim knows exactly the ripple effect of saying that publicly. He’s not making that statement lightly. With that level of criticism, I just don’t see a way back for Marcus at United.”

Rashford himself admitted in December that he was ready to embrace “a new challenge,” but with just a week left in the January transfer window, his future remains uncertain.

European heavyweights such as Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, and AC Milan have reportedly expressed interest in the prolific forward, who boasts 138 goals in 426 appearances for Manchester United.

However, any potential transfer is complicated by Rashford’s lucrative contract, reportedly worth £300,000 per week ($374,000), which ties him to the club until 2028.

Antony’s temporary switch to Real Betis has been confirmed, with the Manchester United winger joining the La Liga side on loan until the end of the season after facing challenges in securing a regular spot under manager Ruben Amorim.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea took to social media to wish his former teammate Antony the best of luck following the announcement.

The Brazilian international arrived in Spain on Friday evening to finalize the details of his move to Betis. The agreement does not include an option for a permanent transfer in the summer, keeping Antony’s future beyond this season open.

Antony joined Manchester United in September 2022 from Ajax in a high-profile £86.3 million deal. However, he has struggled to make a consistent impact in the Premier League. While he marked his debut with a goal against Arsenal, his tally stands at just 12 goals in 96 appearances for the club.

This season, Antony has found the back of the net only once, scoring in a commanding 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the EFL Cup third round. With limited opportunities at Old Trafford, the 23-year-old now heads to Spain, where Betis is reportedly set to cover a significant portion of his salary during the loan period.

Expressing his excitement about the move, Antony shared his thoughts on Instagram alongside several pictures, writing, “Intense day! Made a new story!”

His post was flooded with messages of encouragement from fans and players alike. Among them, De Gea, now playing for Fiorentina, offered his support by commenting in Spanish, “Suerte amigo,” meaning “Good luck, friend.” Current Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir also wished the winger success in his new chapter.

Antony and De Gea shared a year as teammates during the Brazilian’s debut season at United before De Gea’s departure in 2023. Now, as Antony embarks on this new journey with Real Betis, he’ll be looking to reignite his career and make a lasting impression in La Liga.

The latest updates from Manchester United’s transfer activities involve notable names like Christopher Nkunku and Ayden Heaven. With Ruben Amorim still shaping his influence at Old Trafford, potential moves for Premier League talent may accelerate his progress.

As the January transfer window nears its conclusion, Manchester United remain engaged in negotiations for both incoming and outgoing players. While losing Alejandro Garnacho would be a reluctant sacrifice, the departure of others, such as Antony, might prove mutually beneficial.

Amorim’s tactical vision demands specific players to execute his strategies effectively. Although his system is still a work in progress, securing the right additions could hasten its success.

Links to Nkunku

Reports from ESPN suggest that Manchester United are targeting Christopher Nkunku in this transfer window. Enzo Maresca, speaking recently about the Chelsea attacker, shed light on Nkunku’s limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to football.london, Maresca explained: “The problem, unfortunately, for João [Felix] and Christo, is that the manager prefers to play most games with one attacking midfielder, which is Cole Palmer.

“We’ve decided to focus on this setup for balance, and that’s why João and Christo have struggled to get minutes. It’s not about their quality – they’re fantastic players and great professionals.”

When pressed on whether this situation indicated an end to their Chelsea careers, Maresca responded: “I’m not saying that. I’m saying they’re struggling because of the current tactical setup.”

Analysis

The potential link to Nkunku raises eyebrows. While the Frenchman’s versatility and past success in the Bundesliga have been undeniable, his impact in the Premier League over the past 18 months has been underwhelming. At a rumored £70 million fee, questions arise about whether he’s the right fit for Manchester United, though a departure from Chelsea seems likely given his current dissatisfaction.

Ayden Heaven Rumors

Another player linked with Manchester United is Arsenal’s 18-year-old defender Ayden Heaven. Following United’s acquisition of Chido Obi-Martin from Arsenal’s youth system last summer, the club is reportedly considering terms for Heaven, who has already made his debut in the Carabao Cup and regularly trains with Arsenal’s first team.

At a recent press conference, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was tight-lipped about the rumors. When asked about potentially losing Heaven, he simply said: “I cannot talk about anything.”

Analysis

The emphasis on nurturing homegrown talents has become critical under the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Losing another academy prospect to a rival like Manchester United could be a significant blow for Arsenal. However, United’s ability to offer more immediate first-team opportunities might sway Heaven’s decision. While Arsenal will hope to retain their young defender, Amorim’s evolving system could make Manchester United an attractive destination in the long term.