United to reject any approach for Marcus Rashford

Manchester United are to reject any approach for Marcus Rashford in the summer, according to a report from ESPN FC. Unnamed sources have reportedly told the outlet that “United had not received any formal inquiry about the availability of the England international”, though added that “any approach would be unwelcome.”

This is surely the only sensible stance for United, with Rashford still having the potential to establish himself as one of England’s top forwards. It’s true that 14 Premier League starts this season is fewer than he’d have liked, but ESPN’s Rob Dawson notes that the young striker has actually made more appearances under José Mourinho than any other player: he’s missed only 15 games since the Portuguese coach took charge in the summer of 2016.

The fact that Rashford is an academy product and Mancunian born and bred only add to the list of reasons to keep him on the books. While he’s going to find it difficult to force his way into the starting lineup while Romelu Lukaku remains on such good form, let’s hope he’s not too unhappy with the rotational role he’s currently occupying. It would be a huge shame to see him depart.