AC Milan is actively pursuing the signing of Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United as the iconic Italian club seeks to bolster its squad amid growing ambitions for the remainder of the season. The pursuit reflects both the desire for improvement on the pitch and the complicated logistics surrounding player wages and transfers.
After expressing his intention to leave Manchester United last month, Rashford has become the subject of interest from multiple clubs, with AC Milan reportedly leading the charge. The club aims to negotiate terms attractive enough for Rashford, who is currently earning £300,000 per week—a salary significantly higher than what Milan’s top players make. According to Mirror Football, AC Milan wants Manchester United to cover part of those wages to facilitate the deal.
The call for Rashford to join the Rossoneri has been strongly supported by none other than Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The veteran striker, now working as an executive with Milan, believes his former teammate would find success at San Siro. He knows first-hand the type of impact Rashford can have, due to their shared experience at Manchester United. Ibrahimovic's endorsement adds weight to Milan's ambitions to strengthen their lineup.
Currently, AC Milan finds itself eighth in the Serie A table with games still to play, giving them hope of challenging for European qualification. With the title seemingly out of reach—17 points behind league leaders Napoli—the club is focusing its efforts on securing at least a spot for next season’s Champions League. Recent managerial changes, with Sergio Conceicao taking the helm, have provided the team with fresh energy, highlighted by their recent 2-1 victory over Juventus. This win has set them up for the Supercoppa final against Inter, rejuvenated hopes for the current squad.
Milan boasts several notable players who previously highlighted the Premier League, enhancing the possibility of Rashford’s transition to the Italian league. Current squad members include England internationals Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fikayo Tomori, and Tammy Abraham, as well as former Premier League names like Álvaro Morata and Christian Pulisic. Such familiar faces could ease Rashford’s adjustment should he decide to make the move.
Meanwhile, Manchester United remains cautious about Rashford’s possible exit, especially within the confines of the Premier League. There are concerns among the management about strengthening rivals if he were to move to another English club. Hence, the Serie A option appears far more viable for United, allowing them to avoid direct competition with league opponents. A departure to Paris Saint-Germain or even moves to Spain could challenge United’s decision-making process but without direct league ramifications.
Last Sunday, Rashford was again left out of Manchester United's squad for their clash against Liverpool, sparking speculation about his uncertain position within the team. Ruben Amorim, the head coach, commented on the grim realities of competition, stating: “That should be a big issue for our players... If we don't do it all the time then we are going to lose games. That is clear to everybody.” While these remarks refer to the team’s overall performance, they underline the mounting pressure on players like Rashford amid his tumultuous situation.
While several pathways open before Rashford, the prospect of joining AC Milan presents both immediate and long-term opportunities. It allows him to play alongside high-caliber teammates and potentially revitalize his career, all under the guidance of experienced figures like Ibrahimovic. Whether United will relent and permit the move remains to be seen, but for both parties, the coming weeks will prove pivotal.