Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has admitted his career at his boyhood club has not unfolded as he expected. Amid rumours of a possible departure in January, the 29-year-old discussed his unfulfilled expectations and his feelings about playing for United.
Over ten years, Rashford has made 434 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 138 goals and providing 79 assists. Ahead of the meeting with Roma, the England forward said he had once dreamed of getting close to Wayne Rooney's record. His comments were reported by the Manchester Evening News.
No, I don't keep a record of all my goals at home, because I expected my career at United to go differently. Originally, I wanted to get as close as possible to Wazza's record (Wayne Rooney's), but things didn't work out that way. I definitely remember the goals I've scored, though.
Rashford also discussed how he deals with the pressure of being a role model for young fans.
I don't see it as pressure. I can only speak from my own experience.
I'm a normal lad from Manchester. Honestly, I haven't used social media since I was about 21 because I see it as more of a negative place than a positive one. I don't want to go too deeply into it because I understand that working with social media is a profession for many people.
But for a footballer, 80 per cent of what goes on there just doesn't make sense. If the other 20 per cent allows you to have fun with your friends, then it's worth it. As for me, I enjoy every stage of my journey at this club.
Of course, we want to win as many trophies as possible. But we won the trophies we could. Throughout my time here, we've tried our hardest. So I'm not someone who leaves with regrets. I know that if I've given my all, then we've done everything we can.
Meanwhile, Rashford could leave United as early as January. Everton have been linked with an interest in the forward, whose situation is complicated by an injury and the loss of his starting place.
Insider Pete O'Rourke explained the situation:
Perhaps things aren't going well at the moment, but in Rashford's defence, he's been having some problems with an injury since the World Cup.
Carrick would be happy to use a fit and in-form Marcus Rashford, because he would definitely strengthen Manchester United's attack.
But it's a difficult situation for Rashford. He really wanted to move to Barcelona, and the collapse of that move was a serious blow for him. Now he's back at United.
If Rashford isn't playing regularly and finds himself in a peripheral role at Old Trafford, he may have to look for another team.
He's done it before, when he went on loan to Aston Villa and then Barcelona. So he's prepared to do it again if he feels he needs a new challenge.
If Rashford gets game time and is part of the club's plans, I think he'd be happy to stay. But a lot will depend on his role in the starting line-up.
