Marcus Rashford's relationship with Manchester United has 'run its course' - Ally McCoist

Marcus Rashford has dominated the headlines this week after saying he is "ready for a new challenge" in the wake of being dropped by Manchester United. The TNT Sports team discussed the news ahead of live coverage of Aston Villa v Manchester City in the Premier League, with Ally McCoist saying the relationship has "run its course." Peter Crouch agreed this was the "best time to move on".

Marcus Rashford’s relationship with Manchester United has "run its course," according to Ally McCoist, who told TNT Sports that it is time the striker left to "get on with his career."

The England striker hit the headlines this week when he said in an interview with Henry Winter that he is "ready for a new challenge and the next steps".

The comments came shortly after he was left out of the United squad for their Manchester derby win over Man City at the Etihad.

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Speaking ahead of City’s clash with Aston Villa on Saturday, live on TNT Sports and discovery+, McCoist explained why he thought a separation could be the best outcome for both parties.

"I’m surprised he hasn’t had the conversation – and it doesn’t look like he has – with his new manager (Ruben Amorim) beforehand. I think he looked a little bit surprised when he heard the news," McCoist said.

"I look at the relationship and it just looks like it’s run its course. It happens. It happens with footballers; it happens in life.

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"It’s now at the stage it probably suits both parties that they shake hands, say thank you very much for your service and he goes and gets on with his career.

"Because what is he, 27? He’s got his whole career ahead of him."

Rashford’s age has sparked some debate this week, with Ian Wright pointing out that the England international is a year younger than he was when he made a career-defining move to Arsenal.

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TNT Sports expert Peter Crouch agreed that the striker still has plenty of good years ahead of him.

"I played, not to the level Marcus is at at the moment, until I was 38. He’s a player with so much talent," Crouch said.

"He just needs a platform maybe where people put an arm around him and he’s loved again and can perform to the ability we know he’s got."

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On the timing of the interview, Crouch added: "I found it all strange. The fact that he was allowed to do this rogue interview."

"Man Utd probably didn’t know it was happening. When you’re left out of the squad completely and then all of a sudden, you’re doing an interview, I thought it was strange timing.

"The comments didn’t help matters. There have been rumblings about it for a long time. For all concerned I think it is the best time to move on."   

United host Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday at Old Trafford.

When asked about Rashford’s situation before the game, manager Amorim insisted he would like to see the forward reintegrated at the Red Devils

"I don't talk about the future, we talk about the present," said Amorim.

"This kind of club needs big talent and he's a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus."

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