According to reports, Pep Guardiola has privately singled out Marcus Rashford as the sole Manchester United player who he believes possesses the caliber to thrive at Manchester City.
Rashford has faced considerable criticism at times this season, despite his standout performances for United during Erik ten Hag’s debut campaign in 2022/23.
Despite being one of the standout performers in the Premier League last season, the Englishman has only managed to score five goals and provided six assists in his 30 appearances across all competitions this season.
According to a report from Football Insider, Guardiola has privately identified Rashford as the sole current United player who he deems to be of sufficient quality to play for Manchester City.
There is a belief that Guardiola holds Rashford’s talent and playing style in high esteem, to the extent that he envisions Rashford thriving within City’s dominant team.
However, Guardiola has reportedly confided in close associates that while he regards Rashford highly, he does not believe that other first-team players at United possess the capability to become key figures in his system at City.
Sources have informed Football Insider that Guardiola’s one reservation about Rashford, 26, is his ability in combination play, which is a crucial aspect the manager values highly at the Etihad stadium.
Rashford has started 25 games in all competitions this season, so even if he hasn’t contributed many goals, he is still an important player for Erik ten Hag.
The England international has been strongly linked with a transfer to Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain, especially with superstar Kylian Mbappe poised to depart the club at the end of the season.
