Rio Ferdinand has issued a surprising comment aimed at Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho amidst speculation about their futures away from Old Trafford.
The Manchester United legend delivered a blunt two-word message, urging the pair to “just go” as transfer interest mounts. Rashford, 27, has reportedly attracted attention from Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund, while Garnacho, 20, is being linked with moves to Chelsea and Napoli.
Speaking to Talksport, Ferdinand reflected on United’s dismal season, which sees them languishing in 13th place in the Premier League after a 3-1 loss to Brighton—marking their tenth league defeat.
He said, “There’s no doubt in my mind that these players are better than what they are producing right now,” suggesting the pair may flourish elsewhere if they choose to depart.
Rio Ferdinand has made a surprise comment to Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho in the wake of the pair being linked with moves away from Old Trafford
Rashford has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford – with both Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund reportedly interested in signing the 27-year-old
‘But when the shirt feels so heavy it’s difficult to get out of the trenches sometimes.
‘It’s normally not one person who can get you out of these types of situations but where are those individuals you need? I don’t see enough of them at the moment.
Ferdinand highlighted how other players have flourished, citing the form of Anthony Elanga at high-flying Nottingham Forest, as well as Scott McTominay at Napoli.
‘The worrying thing is that these players are leaving and looking like they are spreading their wings and breathing again,’ he added.
Despite the possibility of moving to pastures new, both Rashford and Garnacho trained at Carrington on Wednesday ahead of United’s Europa League game against Rangers.
Joining them was Brazilian winger Antony, who could move to Real Betis before the window shuts on February 3.
Brazilian winger Antony could move to Real Betis before the window shuts on February 3
One player United seem particularly intent on bringing to Old Trafford is Patrick Dorgu, as Amorim looks to bolster his options at wing-back as part of his favoured 3-4-3 setup
Manager Amorim’s favoured 3-4-3 setup means he could be open to allowing wide forwards to leave the club in order to replace them with players who may be more suited to a wing-back role.
One player they seem particularly intent on bringing to Old Trafford is Patrick Dorgu, with the club sending an opening bid of around £23million for the Lecce wing-back on Tuesday following talks with the Serie A side in Milan.
United director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves met with agents Frank Trimboli and Leon Angel as well as Lecce president Sticchi Damiani – although Lecce did not come into the transfer window intending to sell.
‘We explained to Manchester that our will at the moment is to try to keep our staff unchanged, retaining all the big ones, especially Dorgu,’ said Damiani.