“The best thing for your football career is to move away from Old Trafford. It is obvious that you are not happy at Manchester United.” – This is according to Paul Gascoigne as he gives Marcus Rashford an “unbelievable” transfer ultimatum amid doubts about his future at Manchester United, which has grown increasingly uncertain.
Paul Gascoigne has issued a notable suggestion to Marcus Rashford, urging the Manchester United forward to consider leaving Old Trafford. According to the football legend, Rashford might need a new challenge, and moving away from the Premier League could be the spark to reignite his form and passion for football.
Once a standout performer with 30 goals in the 2022/23 season, Rashford, now 26, has struggled to maintain that level of performance. His goal tally dropped sharply to just eight in the following campaign, raising concerns about his role at Manchester United. Although he displayed his undeniable skill in an exciting 3-3 Europa League draw against FC Porto, his performances have been inconsistent. This erratic form led to him being dropped from the starting lineup against Crystal Palace, and his outings against Twente and Tottenham drew further criticism from fans and pundits.
Amid these struggles, Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly renewed its interest in Rashford, offering a potential escape from the pressures he faces in England. Gascoigne sees this interest from PSG as a perfect opportunity for Rashford to take a bold step in his career and find a fresh start.
In an interview with SportsCasting, Gascoigne was open about Rashford’s situation at Manchester United. “I really think it’s the right decision for him to leave,” he said. Gascoigne further elaborated, “I admire Rashford; he’s a fantastic player, but something isn’t working for him. Even when he scores, he doesn’t seem to enjoy it. That shows there’s something deeper going on, and in my view, if you’re not happy, it’s time to move on.”
Gascoigne’s comments touch on more than just Rashford’s form; they also point to the lack of joy in his recent performances. According to Gascoigne, playing in England may no longer bring Rashford the satisfaction it once did. He believes that a move abroad, possibly to Italy’s Serie A, could be the solution. “He could thrive in a new environment, and plenty of top clubs would be eager to sign him,” Gascoigne added.
Reflecting on his own career, Gascoigne recalled the transformative experience of leaving English football to play for Lazio in Italy. The change of scenery, along with the intense training sessions and different style of play, had a profound impact on him—something he believes could benefit Rashford as well. “It was a complete shock to my system,” Gascoigne admitted. “I remember my first day with Lazio like it was yesterday. The warm-up alone was brutal—twenty laps just to start, followed by all sorts of stretches. I honestly didn’t think I could handle it.”
Gascoigne’s father, however, encouraged him to stick it out, even humorously revealing that he had already made plans to move to Italy. “My dad looked at me and said, ‘Well, you better get used to it because I’ve found a villa, and I’m moving in.’ It was tough, but it did wonders for me. I think a similar experience could do the same for Rashford.”
For Gascoigne, Rashford’s potential move abroad isn’t just about improving his on-field performance—it’s about rediscovering his love for football. The England international’s body language in recent matches suggests a player who is disengaged, a feeling Gascoigne knows all too well. A new league, a fresh environment, and the chance to experience a different footballing culture could be exactly what Rashford needs to reignite his career and bring the joy back into his game.
With PSG reportedly circling again, now might be the perfect time for Rashford to consider Gascoigne’s advice and take a leap into the next chapter of his career. Whether it’s Serie A or Ligue 1, Gascoigne believes Rashford’s future success may lie outside England. All eyes are on Rashford to see if he will take this bold step and embrace a challenge that could redefine the next phase of his career.