Marcus Rashford sent Manchester United transfer warning just days after Erik ten Hag decision

Michael Owen believes Marcus Rashford will have little other option than to stay at Manchester United next season - given his probable steep price tag.

The attacker, 26, is not on the list of sale exemptions this summer, with only Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo out of bounds. Rashford has been tentatively tipped for an exit after an underwhelming year, scoring just eight times last season.

He was left out of England’s Euro 2024 provisional squad as a result of his poor form, having also hit the headlines after going on nights out after October’s Manchester derby defeat and ahead of January’s FA Cup clash with Newport County.

ALSO READ: United have put Ten Hag on trail with Berrada and Ashworth to be judge and jury

ALSO READ: Ten Hag faces power shift struggle with Ineos over new United contract proposal

Erik ten Hag spoke to the player after his boozy new year trip to Northern Ireland but nevertheless handed him 13 further starts, including the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City. This week, it emerged that the manager would keep his job after a lengthy review process that was overseen by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.

Rashford inked a long-term contract under Ten Hag in July 2023 after becoming the first United player to net 30 goals in a single campaign for a decade, meaning his deal does not expire until 2028. As such, United would hold out for a large sum for the winger, who was England’s joint-top goal scorer at the 2022 World Cup with three goals.

Former United and Three Lions striker Owen told the Manchester Evening News that he believes Rashford will still be in Ten Hag’s squad next season, given that few clubs would be willing to fork out a sizeable fee for him.

The 44-year-old said: “I think he [Rashford] should stay. I mean, he's a local lad, he's obviously a talented boy. And with all due respect, he's a great player, but where's his move?

“Who buys him? He's not going to cost 20 million, is he? He's going to be 80, 90, 100 million or something ridiculous. So who buys him at that? I can't imagine.

“Having been so up and down and out of form for periods, I'd be very surprised if any of the big hitters would want to go and spend massive, massive money on him. So, I think as much as it's all pie in the sky and everybody likes to get excited by it.

“I just don't see any option really, bar him finding his form at Manchester United. As I say, he's talented, very talented.”

This comes after former Liverpool defender Jose Enrique suggested that Rashford should seek an exit. "I think he needs to move to another country, Germany or Spain perhaps,” the Spaniard said.

Meanwhile, Owen indicated that Rashford’s omission from Gareth Southgate's England squad was an error, arguing: “I would be starting him for England in the Euros. I think we need pace.

“On the left-hand side, we need pace somewhere in the team. And I think he's never let England down. I still think he's that good. I would be an advocate for him to stay.”

Michael Owen was speaking to MEN Sport courtesy of AceOdds.com.