Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford is lying if he says he is not interested in joining Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
That's the view of Glenn Johnson, who thinks Marcus Rashford could waver, leaving Old Trafford for a move to Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid. Eric Ten Hag confirmed on Sunday that United had launched a one-year contract extension with Marcus Rashford as the club tried to persuade the England international to sign a new long-term contract.
The 25-year-old's contract was due to expire next summer, but thanks to Marcus Rashford's excellent performances this season, the Reds have decided to activate the option of an automatic one-year extension in their contract. So far this season, he has made 19 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring eight goals.
Rashford has been linked with transfers after a brilliant start to the season, with Paris Saint-Germain chairman Nasser hinting they will try to sign the Manchester United striker. Real Madrid have also been rumoured to bring in the player, with Johnson claiming that Marcus Rashford, who is about to enter maturity, will be the most cost-effective signing for Real Madrid when Ballon d'Or winner Benzema finally leaves.
Asked how Real Madrid could best fill the void following Benzema's departure, former Chelsea and Liverpool defender Johnson said: "Let's just say it, it's a huge gap. ”
"I'm a huge fan of Marcus Rashford and he's unstoppable when he's at his best. I have no doubt that Real Madrid will want to sign him if they get him for much less money, especially when his contract is about to expire. ”
"Can he take Benzema's place? We won't know that until he can consistently play the Champions League for the team. He certainly has enough potential. ”
Rashford, who made his United debut in February 2016, has been a regular at the club's first team ever since, although he struggled with performances after missing a penalty in the Euro 2020 final last season. But Johnson still thinks Rashford may be tempted to leave the club of his childhood.
Johnson added: "Real Madrid will attract him 100%, this is a galaxy battleship. Wherever he goes, he will be paid well enough. He doesn't need to think about that. Real Madrid are not only fighting for La Liga, they are always strong contenders for the Champions League, you can also live in the mild sunshine of Spain, so for me it is impossible to refuse. ”
"When teams like Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid want you, then 100 per cent you will be interested in them. Obviously he's from Manchester, a great football club, but if any player tells you they're not even interested in playing with a club like Real Madrid, they're lying. ”
Ahead of Manchester United's preparations to activate Marcus Rashford's one-year option under his contract, Nasser confirmed Paris Saint-Germain would attempt to sign the striker as he also impressed at the World Cup in Qatar, with Marcus Rashford scoring three goals and providing an assist.
"He's another truly amazing player and it's free." Nasser said: "In order to have Marcus for free, every club will definitely chase him. We are not hiding this. ”