Marcus Rashford has held talks with leading sports agency Stellar as he intensifies his efforts to leave Manchester United this January.
The England forward is seeking new representation after being dropped from four consecutive matchday squads by manager Ruben Amorim.
Rashford, who returned to the squad but remained an unused substitute in Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle, is currently represented by his brother Dwaine Maynard.
The 27-year-old academy graduate has approached Stellar to help facilitate his departure from Old Trafford, having recently declared himself “ready for a new challenge”.
Marcus Rashford is opening talks with an agency as the January transfer window opens
Reuters
The move comes during a turbulent period for both player and club, with Rashford having spent much of December out of favour under new boss Amorim.
Stellar’s involvement marks a significant shift in Rashford’s representation strategy, with the agency being notably responsible for Gareth Bale’s record-breaking £86 million transfer from Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2013.
The sports agency has a proven track record in negotiating high-profile moves, with the Bale deal standing as one of their most notable achievements.
Currently, Rashford’s affairs are managed by his brother Dwaine Maynard, but reports suggest the forward is willing to bring in additional expertise to help secure his exit.
The Sun reports that Rashford wants more people working in the background to ensure he finds a suitable exit route from Old Trafford.
This potential change in representation comes as Rashford looks to navigate his way through what could be a crucial transfer window.
Speaking to journalist Henry Winter, Rashford outlined his intentions: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”
The forward emphasised his desire to leave United amicably: “When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United.”
“I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person. When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me,” Rashford added.
Ruben Amorim has left Marcus Rashford out of his starting line-ups since the Manchester derby last month
Reuters
Amorim responded to these comments by questioning the player’s entourage: “It is a hard situation. I understand that these players have a lot of people around them, and they sometimes make choices that are not the first idea from the player.”
The United manager added: “I am always here to help Marcus, as any other player. They have to do what they have to do.”
Rashford’s return to the squad against Newcastle saw him remain on the bench for the full 90 minutes of the 2-0 defeat.
The forward, who currently earns £325,000-a-week at Old Trafford, faces limited options for his next destination.
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Marcus Rashford could leave United in January
Reuters
Barcelona are currently bookmakers’ favourites to secure his signature, though the Spanish club’s financial difficulties could complicate any potential deal.
Paris Saint-Germain has emerged as another possible destination, while the Saudi Pro League remains an option for the England international.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has already ruled out a move for Rashford, stating: “No, and you know that I’m not going to talk about players from other clubs.”
Rashford has made 426 appearances for Manchester United, scoring 138 goals during his career at Old Trafford.
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