Alan Shearer has urged Marcus Rashford to "sort himself out" as the Manchester United forward faces an uncertain future amid doubts over a January move and his England prospects.
Rashford, 27, recently revealed his desire to leave Old Trafford, saying he feels “ready for a new challenge” after spending two decades at the club, including ten seasons with the first team and over 400 appearances.
Speaking after being left out of last month’s Manchester derby by United boss Ruben Amorim, Rashford admitted, “When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me. No hard feelings, no negative comments—it’s just time for the next steps.”
Despite his intentions, Shearer believes a mid-season transfer will be challenging.
“For Marcus Rashford, hard work and the right attitude are key to getting back to his best,” the Premier League’s all-time top scorer told Betfair.
“Something must have happened for him to say he’s ready to leave, but you can’t just flick a switch and find form again. Difficult periods happen, and the only way through them is to put your head down and work hard.”
Rashford’s struggles have also affected his international career. Left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad and now under new Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel, Rashford’s 17 goals in 60 international appearances seem a distant memory.
Shearer insists a return to the national team should not be a priority.
“He needs to focus on sorting himself out first, and United need to do the same. His England career has gone stale, and it’s too early to think about a recall," he said.
A January exit from United may not be straightforward, according to Shearer, who doubts Premier League clubs would meet Rashford’s current wage demands or agree on a transfer fee.
“A deal this month would be very difficult because of the many moving parts—transfer fees, wages, and other negotiations. I’d be amazed if another Premier League club could match his salary,” Shearer said.
Rashford has been linked with moves to Paris Saint-Germain and received offers from Saudi Arabia, which he rejected.
Shearer added, “Whether he forces his way back into the United starting eleven or secures a transfer, there’s no clear solution yet. But just because there’s no public talk doesn’t mean there hasn’t been interest.”
Despite the uncertainty, Shearer believes Rashford’s future depends on his commitment to rediscovering his form.
“Hard work is the only way forward. If Rashford puts in the effort, both his club and international prospects can improve—but he has to make it happen,” he said.
