Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag’s relationship has hit a breaking point, as per a report from The Sun.
The duo is reportedly barely communicating after Rashford’s absence from training and an FA Cup match against Newport County due to his visit to a Belfast nightclub in January.
This incident adds to previous clashes between the striker and Ten Hag throughout the season, leaving the Dutchman finding it challenging to move past the latest disagreement.
The Sun states: “Staff are now concerned that the relationship between manager and player has broken down irrevocably as Rashford continues to struggle to find the form that lead him to career-best figures of 30 goals last season.”
Following a disappointing season, Marcus Rashford may be permitted to depart Manchester United in the summer, with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) reportedly interested in acquiring him as a replacement for Kylian Mbappe.
If Rashford were to leave, it would create a vacancy at Manchester United, presenting Jim Ratcliffe and his newly assembled backroom team with an opportunity to demonstrate their prowess in recruitment.
Three Rashford alternatives for Man Utd
According to data analytics specialists SciSports, Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman emerges as the optimal choice for an immediate impact to fill Marcus Rashford’s shoes. At 27 years old, Coman possesses the highest skill level among left wingers with a similar playing style to Rashford. Moreover, with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €42 million, he offers reasonable value for potential suitors.
For a longer-term solution at Manchester United, SciSports suggests considering AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. Among left wingers, Leao demonstrates the highest potential ceiling aside from Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku, who is deemed unavailable for the Red Devils. At 24 years old, Leao could potentially contribute significantly at Old Trafford for the better part of a decade if given the opportunity.
Man Utd’s Rashford replacement options
| Name | Age | SciSkill | Potential | ETV |
| Marcus Rashford | 26 | 109.3 | 110.7 | €75.8m |
| Kingsley Coman | 27 | 121.0 | 123.8 | €41.8m |
| Rafael Leao | 24 | 113.3 | 123.9 | €67.3m |
| Nico Williams | 21 | 100.8 | 122.3 | €27.6m |
Leao, on the other hand, could be a costly acquisition. Although he is expected to depart Milan this summer, securing his services might require an investment of €100 million or more. While his Estimated Transfer Cost (ETC) stands at €67 million, there remains a significant element of risk associated with such a substantial financial commitment.
As a more prudent alternative, Athletic Club’s Nico Williams emerges as a viable option. While he may not possess the same immediate impact as Leao and Coman, Williams has a promising potential ceiling. Although his current skill level may be slightly below that of Leao and Coman, it is not far off from where Rashford currently stands.
Williams’ contract includes a release clause of €50 million, providing Manchester United with a clear understanding of the financial investment required. Given the numerous deals that need to be orchestrated across the field, this price point could prove to be an appealing option for the club.