Jamie Carragher has advised Arsenal against targeting Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford amid ongoing transfer speculation. The 26-year-old winger has suggested he may be seeking a new challenge, leading to rumors about his future and attracting interest from top clubs.
While Rashford has indicated a willingness to move, Carragher feels he would not substantially improve Mikel Arteta’s squad.
In a conversation with journalist Henry Winter, Rashford shared his openness to new opportunities, though he reaffirmed his loyalty to Manchester United, his childhood club.
Arsenal had been linked with Rashford during the previous summer transfer window, but no deal was made. With Rashford now seeming more open to a move, Arsenal may revisit their interest. However, Carragher has advised against this course of action.
On the Stick to Football podcast, hosted by Sky Bet, Carragher expressed skepticism about Rashford’s fit for Arsenal. When asked by Gary Neville if the winger could elevate Arsenal’s squad, Carragher’s response was clear: “Rashford? No.
He had a four-month purple patch under Erik ten Hag, but he’s not on the level of players like [Mohamed] Salah, [Sadio] Mane, or [Bukayo] Saka.”
Carragher also questioned why high-profile clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and PSG were interested in Rashford, given his recent struggles to secure a starting position at Manchester United or a place in the England squad. “Am I missing something?” he asked. “He can’t break into the United team and isn’t part of England’s plans.”
This season, Rashford’s performances have been inconsistent, with seven goals and three assists from 24 appearances.
Notably, a strong performance against League One side Barnsley in the Carabao Cup inflated his stats, with two goals and an assist in that match. Despite such moments of brilliance, his overall inconsistency raises concerns about whether he would fit into Arsenal’s long-term vision under Arteta.
As the January transfer window nears, Arsenal must carefully evaluate their options. Carragher’s comments act as a warning to Arteta and his team, urging them to avoid taking a risky chance on a player whose performances may not align with their ambitious goals. While Rashford undoubtedly has talent, his form and reliability raise doubts about his ability to succeed in Arsenal’s system.