Marcus Rashford to replace Kylian Mbappe at PSG? Transfer ‘would make sense’ but misfiring Man Utd forward is warned against succeeding World Cup winner in France

Rashford posted a personal-best goal return of 30 efforts last season, with those exploits earning him a lucrative new contract and a supposed standing alongside the global elite. However, the 26-year-old has endured another humbling dip in the current campaign, with the target found on just five occasions through 29 appearances in all competitions.

The England international has also made unwelcome headlines off the field following a recent visit to Belfast nightclubs, with disciplinary action taken at Old Trafford as questions are asked of Rashford’s commitment to the Red Devils cause.

Former United striker Louis Saha can appreciate why Rashford may be giving thought to a move elsewhere, and why Paris would be an obvious landing spot if World Cup winner Mbappe were to join Real Madrid this summer, but he has told Betfred of why a switch may not be the best solution: “We have seen English players be hounded by the media in the past, but I don’t believe Marcus falls into the same category because he’s criticised due to his performances and his mistakes. When he’s doing well and playing out of his skin, then he’s doing nothing wrong, but when you’re caught going out when you’re not supposed to, then that’s your own fault. You have to understand that you represent your club and your country. Marcus is a huge name and he’s going to receive a lot of press attention and that’s a challenge in itself. Going abroad to PSG may change the parameters, but he will still be under massive pressure there too.”

Saha added: “Kylian Mbappe also said something similar in a recent interview about the pressure he is currently under in Ligue 1, claiming that certain people don’t like him because he’s doing this and that and he said that he’s under so much scrutiny in Paris. However, moving to Real Madrid won’t change anything for him because the pressure at both PSG and Real Madrid is enormous. When you’re such a big player, and I say this with no disrespect intended, but you’re not going to go to Monaco where there are fewer fans in the stands and play under less pressure. If Marcus leaves Manchester United, it will only be to another massive club with huge expectations. He will have to remain very focused and the pressure will still be there so I don’t think that a move to PSG is something that will happen in the future for Marcus. It would make sense if Kylian leaves but I don’t think it will change anything for him in terms of the scrutiny he will be under. He has to improve his game, score more goals and do more because he can and that’s it.”

Rashford was replaced by eventual match winner Scott McTominay in United’s latest outing, as they battled to a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, and knows he has work to do in order to keep his starting berth for a trip to Luton on Sunday.