Marcus Rashford could move to Tottenham and reinvigorate his professional journey rather than remaining at Manchester United, according to Pat Nevin, who thinks the England international should switch to Spurs.
Nevin feels that under Roberto De Zerbi’s guidance at Tottenham, Rashford could finally achieve a sense of belonging at a pivotal stage in his footballing life, which has been notably absent for the forward up to now.
The 28-year-old has returned to his childhood club Manchester United after being excluded from the first-team picture 20 months ago, spending the past season and a half out on loan following a disagreement with former manager Ruben Amorim.
Rashford made his first appearance in a United shirt since December 2024 recently, entering as a substitute for the final half an hour of their pre-season match against AC Milan. The attacker appeared sharp and is expected to feature for United this campaign should he remain, with current manager Michael Carrick attempting to rebuild the relationship between the club and player.
Nevertheless, Rashford indicated during the World Cup that his preference was to secure a transfer elsewhere. And although United are reluctant to sell to another Premier League side, Tottenham represents one of the most plausible destinations should he leave, with the north London club eager to recruit a marquee attacking player after investing over £200million in defensive and midfield signings this summer.
De Zerbi has already detailed his intention to bolster the forward positions before the September transfer deadline. Former Chelsea winger Nevin thinks Rashford should pursue a move to the Lilywhites, arguing he would receive regular starting opportunities and rediscover a feeling of appreciation, which he maintains is essential at this juncture of the player’s career.
The Scottish pundit stated that Rashford’s situation had lacked stability, describing him as wandering without a fixed base. He suggested it has become difficult to determine where the player fits or where he truly belongs, noting that such uncertainty proves challenging for any professional. He pointed out that this represents what should be the prime of Rashford’s career, when he ought to be performing at his absolute best.
Nevin explained that when operating at peak capability, a player requires stability within a club environment alongside teammates he can build partnerships with, yet Rashford appears to lack that foundation. He observed that for several years he has maintained that Rashford has accumulated substantial earnings, so the motivation should no longer revolve around finances or the prestige associated with particular clubs, but rather how the player will reflect on his career once it concludes.
He emphasised this becomes even more critical for an elite international performer operating at his peak, who deserves to feel comfortable within a stable club setting surrounded by compatible teammates and crucially, receiving consistent game time each week.
Nevin expressed a desire to witness Rashford select a club where he would be a regular starter. He noted that due to Rashford’s deep connection with Manchester United and the appeal of leading clubs in Spain or beyond, that scenario appeals to him, though uncertainty remains.
Should Rashford join a club such as Tottenham or any side positioned just below the very summit of the game, Nevin believes he could prove outstanding. He drew a parallel with how Jack Grealish revitalised his career at Everton, noting the evident contentment the player discovered, and suggested he perceives a similar possibility for Rashford. He expressed hope that Rashford would eventually find that sense of belonging and demonstrate, both to observers and himself, the happiness he can derive from the sport.
A transfer fee of approximately £30million could be involved, though Rashford’s salary expectations present a potential obstacle given his current £325,000 weekly earnings at Old Trafford. He spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at Barcelona, delivering an impressive contribution of 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 matches in all competitions for the Catalan club.
Hansi Flick had included a £26million purchase option in Rashford’s loan agreement, though Barcelona elected not to activate that clause and instead proceeded to recruit Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £69million.