Former Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs is not expecting Marcus Rashford to turn out for the Red Devils again, claiming that it would be best for both parties if their relationship ended this summer.
The breakdown of Rashford's relationship with Man United head coach Ruben Amorim led to the England international leaving Old Trafford in January, making the move to Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the season.
The 27-year-old has scored four goals and registered six assists in 17 appearances for Villa, and Unai Emery's side have the chance to sign him on a permanent basis for £40m during this summer's transfer window.
Rashford will allegedly not rush a decision on his future, with the Englishman still believed to be hopeful that either Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain will make a move for him at the end of the campaign.
The forward has also reportedly not entirely closed the door on a return to the Man United first team, but Giggs cannot imagine a scenario which involves the Englishman being a part of the Red Devils squad next term.
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Giggs tips Rashford to leave Man United this summer
"I don't think he looked happy at United," said Giggs on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. "I think he looks happier now. Which is a shame because obviously I'd seen him as a part of the staff when we'd given him his debut.
"I remember walking over to reserve team pitches and just watching him. It was a small-sided game, me and Louis [Van Gaal] walked over, didn't really know him. We knew a bit about him but all of a sudden it was just like, bang, bang, bang, goals. Louis went, no, he trains with us. That's the impact that he made.
"And he was just like any young player, just playing with freedom. He doesn't look like that. For Marcus and for United, I think it's best if they're part ways. He'd be a brilliant player for someone, but I don't know who.
"First of all, he's got to work harder. I talked about no matter what position on the pitch you are, you sprint back as quick as you sprint forward, and aesthetically, it didn't look great. Especially if the team ain't doing well.
"Because fans will forgive you for missing a chance. They won't forgive you for not working hard enough. They just won't. Because they can do that. They can sprint. Everyone can.
"But then also, what I talked about, you know that he can play up there. He's done it everywhere. He's done it on the biggest stage. It's hard from looking outside to in. But it looked like he's not enjoying it.
"And you've got to enjoy it. Especially flare players, attacking players. Because that's your best moments. When your confidence is high, you're trying things. Don't always come off. But play instinctively and play like you did when you were younger. Freedom."
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Rashford has three years left to run on Man United contract
Rashford has another three years left to run on his contract at Man United, so if Villa decide against a permanent move this summer, the Red Devils would have a major decision to make.
Another loan departure is an option, but Man United are said to be planning to sell him at the end of the campaign in order to generate the funds required to boost their squad for the 2025-26 campaign.
Rashford has scored 138 goals and registered 77 assists in 426 appearances for Man United, but his relationship with Amorim broke down shortly after the Portuguese's arrival at Old Trafford due to the attacker's perceived lack of effort.
Matt Law
