Marcus Rashford sent Manchester United transfer message after Erik ten Hag decision

Former Premier League defender Jose Enrique believes a Manchester United departure could benefit Marcus Rashford.

The 26-year-old has had a rollercoaster 24 months at Old Trafford after his form and United performances came underfire. After hitting the heights in his early career, he has struggled within Erik ten Hag's side following the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho, which has left the England international swapping out of his natural left-wing position into a central role.

Rashford was in the headlines throughout United's worst English top-flight performance in 30 years after enduring spells on the bench and out of the squad. As a result of his form, Gareth Southgate opted against selecting Rashford in his 33-man preliminary squad ahead of the Three Lions' European Championships campaign in Germany.

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The attacker has spoken out defiantly against questions over his commitment to United and cut an emotional figure after their FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City, last month. However, Enrique feels that Rashford's career could be boosted with a move abroad citing the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich as possible destinations.

"Rashford needs to leave Manchester United – a move abroad may help him," he told Grosvenor Sports. "Enrique was also asked about Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, who has been linked to a move away from Old Trafford and was left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024.

"I think Marcus Rashford needs to leave Manchester United. I think he needs to move to another country, Germany or Spain perhaps. Especially if Joao Felix doesn’t continue at Barcelona, Rashford could definitely go and play on that left side.

"I also think Bayern Munich could be a good option for Rashford. I believe Leroy Sané only has one year left on his contract there, so I could definitely picture Rashford as a good replacement for him in the Bundesliga."

He added: "Rashford is that kind of level, he has the quality to be a top player in any league in Europe. I am a massive fan of Rashford, I’m just not sure it will work out for him in England now.

"The top clubs here have already got lots of strength in depth in this left attacking position, for example Jeremy Doku and Jack Grealish at Manchester City, this is another reason why I think that a move out of the country would benefit Marcus Rashford."