Liverpool Eye Shock Move for Marcus Rashford as Manchester United Prepare for Summer Exit

Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United could be nearing its end, and in a twist no one saw coming, long time rivals Liverpool are reportedly eyeing a shock move for the England international.

The 27-year-old forward, who came through United’s academy and once wore the captain’s armband, spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa. While it was a surprising move for a player of his status, it was seen by many as a much-needed break — a chance for Rashford to find his spark again.

At Villa Park, Rashford delivered a decent spell of performances, scoring four goals and providing six assists in 17 appearances. His impact wasn’t spectacular, but it showed signs of the pace, movement, and creativity that made him one of the most exciting young players in England not long ago.

Liverpool Enter the Picture

Now, according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool have “floated the idea” of signing Rashford as they look to strengthen their attack under new head coach Arne Slot. The report makes it clear that the talks have been informal and have not progressed beyond initial discussions, but even the possibility is enough to stir emotions across both Merseyside and Manchester.

Slot is preparing for his first full season in charge at Anfield, and a new forward is high on his wishlist. Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak is believed to be Liverpool’s top target, but with the Magpies demanding a huge fee and reluctant to sell, Liverpool may have to look elsewhere.

Rashford — experienced, versatile, and potentially available — is starting to look like a realistic alternative, even if the idea of him swapping Old Trafford for Anfield sounds almost unthinkable.

What Went Wrong at United?

Just a year ago, Rashford was coming off one of his best seasons in a United shirt, scoring 30 goals in all competitions under Erik ten Hag. But the 2023/24 campaign told a very different story.

The forward struggled with form, confidence, and consistency. He was often left out of the starting lineup and even faced criticism from fans and pundits for his body language and commitment. The situation reached a point where United sent him out on loan in January — a move that seemed to reflect just how far things had fallen.

While his time at Aston Villa didn’t completely restore his reputation, it gave Rashford a fresh environment and reminded everyone that he can still be effective when used properly.

Would United Really Sell to Liverpool?

This is where things get complicated. Transfers between Manchester United and Liverpool are extremely rare due to the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. The last player to make a direct move between them was in 1964, and many fans would strongly oppose the idea of helping their biggest rivals strengthen.

But football is a business, and decisions are now often driven more by financial planning than by tradition. If Rashford wants to leave and Liverpool come forward with a serious offer — believed to be in the region of £50–60 million — United may have to consider it.

Especially with a new sporting structure in place under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, United may be more open to bold decisions, including parting ways with once key players if it helps them rebuild smarter.

What Rashford Could Offer Liverpool

For Liverpool, the signing of Marcus Rashford would bring a player with top-level experience and a hunger to prove himself again. He has scored over 120 goals for United and earned 60 caps for England. He can play on the left wing, as a central striker, or behind the main forward — exactly the kind of flexible attacker Arne Slot likes to work with.

And with Diogo Jota out of the picture and Darwin Núñez facing questions over his consistency, bringing in a player like Rashford might give Liverpool more attacking depth and options.

A Risk Worth Taking?

Of course, this would be a gamble for both clubs. For United, it would mean letting go of a homegrown talent to their biggest rivals. For Liverpool, it would mean putting trust in a player whose recent form has dipped. But if Rashford finds his confidence again, this could be one of the most dramatic and talked-about signings of the summer.

Whether the deal materialises or not, it’s clear that Marcus Rashford’s future at Manchester United is no longer secure. A new chapter is coming — the only question is where it will begin.