Rio Ferdinand has urged Michael Carrick to prevent Marcus Rashford from leaving Manchester United this summer, insisting the winger looks like a 'purring Ferrari' in pre-season training. The former United defender's comments come as reports continue to link the 28-year-old with a £40million move away from Old Trafford.
Rashford's Future Uncertain After Barcelona Loan
Rashford returned to United this summer following a season-long loan at Barcelona, where he had expressed a desire to stay permanently. However, the Catalan club instead opted to pursue a deal for Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon, leaving Rashford's future in doubt.
After a break following the World Cup, Rashford has now joined United's pre-season squad and could feature in Wednesday's friendly against Leeds United. Despite ongoing speculation about an exit for a fee in the region of £40million, Ferdinand believes the England international should be reintegrated into the first-team setup.
Ferdinand: 'He Looks Fit, He Looks Ready'
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said: 'Rashford is back at Manchester United at the training ground and guys, he's like a purring Ferrari man. He looks fit, he looks ready. And you know what, there's a smile on his face and there's a little spring in his step.'
'We don't know which way this is going to go and how it's going to pan out by the end of this transfer window. But you know what, I hope he stays and he will be like a new signing at the football club.'
'And could this be the motivated Marcus Rashford to come out and prove all the doubters and all the people wrong? And all the naysayers. I hope it is. Let's watch this space.'
Ferdinand Also Urges United to Sign Lewis-Skelly
In the same video, Ferdinand urged United to 'press the green button' and sign Arsenal teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly, after reports suggested the versatile defender had been offered to the Red Devils. He said: 'If I'm Manchester United right now I say press the green button and buy him, take him, right now. What a player, a top player. He was a massive part of the team when he was brought in towards the end of the season. He contributed to Arsenal winning the league, he was brilliant and came in and produced.'
Ferdinand added: 'If he's on the market and he's a good price you have to take him. The good price I'm saying is £60m or £70m. If that's the case, get the chequebook out, slap it down and sign him. No questions asked, I would take him.'
'He's young, a huge talent, can play in two positions and I think mentally he's made of the right stuff. The left-back position at Manchester United is not a problem because we've got Luke Shaw who played a lot of games last season and stayed fit. But if he does get injured we haven't got a natural left-back sitting there. [Patrick] Dorgu is more of a left-winger now and [Noussair] Mazraoui and [Diogo] Dalot aren't full left-backs. So that's an area I think you can bring in someone like Myles Lewis-Skelly and he can play man, definitely.'
