Marcus Rashford’s potential exit from Manchester United has sparked debate among Arsenal fans. While some see him as a gamble worth taking, others are unconvinced.
When the question of Marcus Rashford potentially signing for Arsenal arose, the fanbase delivered a mixed, yet overwhelmingly cautious, response.
Rashford, 27, recently said he is “ready for a new challenge and the next steps” after being omitted from Manchester United’s squad for their 2-1 victory over Manchester City. While his situation at Old Trafford has grown increasingly precarious, many Arsenal supporters remain unconvinced that a player of Rashford’s profile would be a suitable fit for Mikel Arteta’s project.
Some fans viewed Rashford as a gamble worth taking, pointing to his past pedigree and Arsenal’s ongoing struggles to find consistent attacking firepower. “Has scored 20+ in all comps 3 out of the last 5 seasons. Not many, if any, of our current squad can say that,” noted one supporter, “Even his 7 this season is more than Jesus, Martinelli and Trossard,” before pragmatically adding, “Would need a 50% pay cut to start.”
Others echoed a similar sentiment, highlighting the potential Arteta could unlock. “Nothing better than someone with something to prove. He scored 30 goals the season before last and plays in the exact position we are struggling,” argued another, while one fan speculated, “I think Arteta could get the most out of him, but not sure it’s any better than what he already has to work with.”
However, caution remained the dominant theme.
Concerns about Rashford’s wage demands, inconsistent performances, and attitude were frequently raised. “He’s 27, on huge wages and just been left out for not working hard enough defensively,” one supporter noted, “Hard no from me.” Others were more blunt: “We need to stop taking washed up players from our rivals,” or, “If he’s not good for United, he should be nowhere near Arsenal.”
Several fans referred to Rashford’s perceived decline and questioned whether he still possessed the intensity Arteta expects from his players. One supporter lamented, “It’s just too big a sample size now of him being poor. If you asked me a year ago I’d have said yes.” Another added, “Too much baggage, huge salary, not the intensity Arteta expects.”
There were also sceptical comparisons to players like Raheem Sterling, whose loan move from Chelsea has proven less than transformative. “That’s what we thought about Sterling too,” commented one fan, while another wryly added, “I don’t think we need another fixer upper.”
Some offered more nuanced assessments, framing Rashford as a potential reclamation project but only under specific conditions. “Loan with an option to buy? Sure. Anything permanent seems unrealistic for a top club at this point,” one fan proposed. Another invoked a rare successful United-to-Arsenal move, saying, “We signed Welbeck from United and he always seemed to work hard for Arsenal despite the injuries. No reason why Rashford can’t do the same.”
While Rashford’s talent and potential to rediscover form were not dismissed outright, the prevailing view among Arsenal fans remains one of cautious indifference. For most, the risks—wage demands, form, and fit—outweigh the rewards, particularly given Arteta’s existing attacking options.
In a fanbase that has grown accustomed to carefully orchestrated signings aligned with Arteta’s philosophy, Marcus Rashford, for all his qualities, feels more like an ill-fitting solution than a genuine opportunity.
For now, the Arsenal faithful appear content to let this particular rumour pass by.
Will Arsenal?
The fan quotes above can all be viewed here.