Manchester United are considering a shock January sale of star striker Marcus Rashford, despite Sir Alex Ferguson believing he could have been one of the world's best.
It comes as Ruben Amorim fired a warning to any United player who does not meet his standards, claiming he "pays attention to everything" after Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were omitted from his squad for the Manchester derby.
The Telegraph has revealed that United are "open" to offers for the England international, with the club looking to balance the books and improve their Financial Fair Play position.
Rashford, who signed a lucrative long-term contract last year, has struggled for consistency this season, failing to recapture the form that saw him score 17 league goals in 2022/23.
But the decision to potentially offload one of the club's most recognizable stars has sent shockwaves through the Old Trafford faithful.
According to The Telegraph, Sir Alex Ferguson, the legendary former United manager, was a huge admirer of Rashford.
"Ferguson became convinced Rashford was United's best player and those talents needed harnessing to ensure his talent and threat were maximised," the report states.
The news will come as a blow to Rashford, who will be desperate to prove his worth under new manager Ruben Amorim. The 27-year-old will have the opportunity to showcase his talents in Sunday's crucial Manchester derby against their bitter rivals, City.
However, with the transfer window looming, Rashford's long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain.
United are currently languishing in 13th place in the Premier League and desperately need a positive result to kickstart their season.
New owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has promised to invest heavily in the club, but the reality is that years of reckless spending have left United with a bloated wage bill and a squad riddled with inconsistencies.
Casemiro, the £70 million Brazilian enforcer, is a prime example of this. While a world-class midfielder at his best, his astronomical wages are a significant burden on the club's finances.
Antony, another expensive acquisition, has also failed to live up to expectations, struggling for consistency and failing to justify his hefty price tag.
With the club looking to cut costs and rebuild, these high-earning stars could become casualties of the new regime.
While offloading players like Casemiro and Antony will not be easy, it's a necessary step in the club's long-term rebuild.
The road to recovery will be long and arduous, but with a new vision and a renewed focus on youth development, United can finally begin to return to the top of English football.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports and rumors. The information presented should be considered for entertainment purposes only.
