EXCLUSIVE
‘It’s actually sad’ – Nicky Butt tells Marcus Rashford to leave Manchester United to save his career
Nicky Butt believes Marcus Rashford could be one of the best players in the world, but he needs to leave Manchester United to tap into that talent.
The Red Devils suffered a 3-0 defeat to rivals Liverpool on Sunday, with Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah doing the damage at Old Trafford.
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In truth, none of Man United's players covered themselves with much glory, but Rashford was picked out once again by fans despite creating a few of his side's limited number of chances in the game.
The Red Devils academy product has struggled to regain the electric form he was in in the 2022/23 season, and is yet to register a goal contribution this term.
Now, club legend Butt has told talkSPORT what the 26-year-old must do to revive his career.
Asked what was going on with the winger, he said: “I don't know and it's actually sad watching that because I've known Marcus since he was probably eight and nine at Man United coming through and he's always been the one that you hold hope for.
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“I do believe and people will be screaming down the phone now probably but I do believe he's still got the talent to be one of the best top players in the world.
“He's just not clicking for the last few years at Man United, you're always saying he's just going to do it, he's going to do it but it's looking like maybe it's time for a change for him.
“No one really knows what his mentality is, but there's a lot of talent within that man and he's a top, top footballer.
“But it's just not happening for Man United now, people always point to the fact of his body language, he doesn't care, I can tell you now he does care, he's a proper lad but he's just not clicking for him.
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“Maybe it is time to go and find a club where he can get a bit of a deep breath, the eyes aren't on him all the time.
“He's the excuse for all the fans, all the fans look at him and it's not just him, the whole team, the whole squad needs to up the game.”
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Man United have suffered two defeats so far this Premier League season, first away at Brighton and then again at home to rivals Liverpool on Sunday.
Although both those sides are tipped to compete at the top end of the league this term, Butt still sees issues within Ten Hag's squad - and that's despite them spending £205.9m on new players.
Ex-midfielder Butt continued: “I don't see a plan in the project, in the signings, I don't understand what kind of players they're going for.
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"They've got a whole new set up at Man United in the recruitment and how they go and buy players.
"But the players that we're signing, they're not superstars of their clubs. They’re just decent players. Man United used to go and sign the best players and now we're getting players that are maybe not even playing for their respective clubs the season before, we seem to be on the market for buying those players and it's strange.
And he doesn't think the squad that finished eighth in the Premier League has been improved from last season either.
“Short answer is no [it's not been improved]," he said. "I don't think they're anywhere near what they need to be to compete at the top.
"The signings for me don't scream out challenging for the Premier League. I think what Man United are trying to do at the minute is build the squad just to get back into Europe and yesterday highlighted that fact particularly in midfield.”
Man United signed Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain last week, who, if Casemiro struggles again as he did against Liverpool, will likely come in to replace the Brazilian.
The midfielder's wife posted a cryptic Instagram after he was dragged off at half time after giving the ball away for Liverpool's goals - and Butt thinks Casemiro will struggle to be the midfielder the Red Devils need him to be.
“I find it difficult to have a pop at Casemiro for all what he's done in his career, he's a serial winner, he was an unbelievable player, he's won everything he's won but your eyes don't lie," Butt said.
“Towards the end you lose your legs in midfield, turn and you can't get up against the ball. it's such a spotlight on you and I think that's what's happening with Casemiro.
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“He's still a good player, still got a place at Man United as a squad player coming on with a 1-0 lead and settling the game down with his experience.
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“But when it comes to starting a game against the likes of Liverpool, City, Chelsea and Arsenal, he's not going to be able to do it."
Man United next face newly promoted Southampton away after the international break in what could shape up to be a must win game for Ten Hag and co.
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