The Reason Arsenal Missed Out on Marcus Rashford: A Look Back at the Transfer Saga
Marcus Rashford, the talented English forward, has been a mainstay of Manchester United’s attack for several years now. However, it’s easy to forget that the 24-year-old was once a target for North London rivals Arsenal. In this article, we’ll delve into the reason why the Gunners ultimately failed to sign the young prodigy.
Rashford’s Rise to Prominence
Born in Wythenshawe, Manchester, Rashford joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of 7. He quickly made a name for himself, scoring 33 goals in 69 appearances for the club’s youth teams. In February 2016, he made his professional debut for Manchester United, coming on as a substitute in a Europa League match against Midtjylland.
The youngster’s impressive performances in the first team earned him a permanent spot in the squad, and he went on to score his first senior goal in a 3-2 win over Arsenal at Old Trafford. This marked the beginning of a fruitful partnership between Rashford and the Red Devils, with the forward going on to score over 100 goals for the club.
Arsenal’s Interest in Rashford
Fast forward to the summer of 2016, and Arsenal were reportedly interested in signing Rashford. The Gunners had been struggling to find a consistent goal-scorer, and the young Englishman was seen as a potential solution to their attacking woes.
According to reports, Arsenal had identified Rashford as a key target and were willing to offer Manchester United a significant sum of money to secure his services. However, the Red Devils were not willing to sell, and ultimately, the transfer never materialized.
The Reason Arsenal Missed Out
So, why did Arsenal ultimately miss out on signing Marcus Rashford? The answer lies in Manchester United’s refusal to sell. The Red Devils had invested heavily in Rashford’s development, and they saw him as a key part of their future plans.
In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United’s then-manager, Louis van Gaal, revealed that the club had turned down several offers for Rashford, including one from Arsenal. "We have said no to many clubs, but we have to say no to Arsenal because they are a big club," Van Gaal said.
It’s clear that Manchester United were determined to keep Rashford at the club, and their refusal to sell ultimately paid off. The forward has gone on to become a key player for both Manchester United and the English national team, and it’s hard to imagine Arsenal’s attack without him.
Conclusion
The reason Arsenal did not sign Marcus Rashford is a simple one: Manchester United refused to sell. The Red Devils had invested heavily in the young forward’s development, and they saw him as a key part of their future plans.
While Arsenal may have missed out on signing Rashford, they have since gone on to build a strong attacking unit of their own. The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, and Nicolas Pépé have all made significant contributions to the team, and the Gunners continue to be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
In the end, it’s clear that Manchester United made the right decision in keeping Rashford at the club. The forward has gone on to become a world-class player, and his partnership with the Red Devils has yielded countless memories for fans of the club.
