Uncertainty Persists Over Garnacho and Rashford’s Futures at Manchester United

Manchester United are close to securing a place in the Europa League last 16, but questions remain over whether Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford will still be part of the squad for the knockout stages.

After United’s dramatic 2-1 win over Rangers at Old Trafford, head coach Ruben Amorim admitted he wasn’t sure what would happen before the transfer window closes on 3 February.

Speculation has surrounded several United players, including Brazilian winger Antony, who has been linked with a loan move to Spanish club Real Betis, and Dutch full-back Tyrell Malacia, who is looking to rebuild his career after a string of injuries.

However, it is Garnacho and Rashford who are causing the most concern.

While Rashford has been absent from the squad since United’s last Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen on 12 December, Garnacho started for the third time in four games and came close to scoring twice—his first goal since 28 November.

There has been talk of selling Garnacho to help fund potential transfers for players better suited to Amorim’s system, rather than trying to fit in players brought in by previous managers.

“They are not other manager’s players, now they are my players,” Amorim said. “Before doing anything, we have to think about what brought us to this situation. We have to be really clear on everything.”

He added, “I don’t know what will happen. Until the window is closed, anything can happen.”

Garnacho’s Importance and Rumours of a £60m Bid

Both Chelsea and Napoli are reportedly interested in 20-year-old Garnacho, with Chelsea believed to have made a bid of around £60 million. United, however, have not confirmed any bid and are remaining tight-lipped on the matter.

The club has admitted their finances are under pressure and have warned fans they could breach profit and sustainability rules unless costs are cut. Selling a homegrown player like Garnacho would create more financial flexibility.

However, such a move would likely upset United fans, many of whom cheered for Garnacho during the Rangers win, chanting his name throughout the match.

“Let’s see in the next days,” said Amorim. “He’s a Manchester United player and was really important for us today. He’s improving in every aspect of the game, and he has the potential to be much better.”

Signed from Atletico Madrid in 2020, Garnacho has made 118 first-team appearances for United, scoring 23 goals. This season alone, he has netted eight goals in 32 appearances. With United’s next home match against Crystal Palace falling just before the transfer window closes, there’s speculation that Garnacho could be saying his goodbyes at Old Trafford.

Former United player Rio Ferdinand told TNT Sports: “The fans love him. He gets you on the edge of your seat. I don’t think Garnacho would be the one pushing for a move, but Amorim’s system doesn’t play to his strengths as an out-and-out winger, and that could be why they might consider selling.”

What’s Next for Marcus Rashford?

The situation surrounding Marcus Rashford seems clearer. Despite training fully on Wednesday, he was again absent from the matchday squad, continuing a trend that stretches back to his last appearance against Viktoria Plzen on 12 December.

Sources close to Rashford insist that the 27-year-old is willing to play for United again, with no issues between him and Amorim.

Reports suggest a potential move to AC Milan is off the table due to the arrival of Kyle Walker, as the Italian club can only sign one English player this month. A loan move to Barcelona also seems unlikely unless a couple of players leave the Spanish club.

If Rashford is still at Old Trafford when the transfer window closes, his future is uncertain. However, Ferdinand believes Amorim doesn’t want him in the squad.

“The club want to get him out, you can see that,” Ferdinand said. “He needs a fresh start at a new club. That would be best for both parties. When he first broke through, he was always smiling, living the dream. I haven’t seen those emotions in a while.”