Paul Gascoigne has put forth a significant recommendation for Marcus Rashford, urging the Manchester United forward to contemplate a move away from Old Trafford. According to the football legend, Rashford should seek a new direction in his career, and leaving the Premier League might be the catalyst needed to revive his form and reignite his passion for the game.
The 26-year-old Rashford, who once enjoyed a stellar campaign with 30 goals during the 2022/23 season, has found himself struggling to replicate that form. His tally dwindled to just eight goals in the following season, a sharp decline that has raised questions about his role at Manchester United. Though he showcased his undeniable talent in a thrilling 3-3 Europa League draw with FC Porto, his performances have been erratic at best. The inconsistency has led to his recent exclusion from the starting lineup against Crystal Palace, while his displays against Twente and Tottenham also drew criticism from fans and pundits alike.
In light of Rashford’s troubles, Paris Saint-Germain has reportedly rekindled their interest in the forward, potentially offering him an escape route from the scrutiny he faces in England. For Gascoigne, this renewed interest from PSG could be an ideal opportunity for Rashford to make a bold move and seek a fresh start.
In an interview with SportsCasting, Gascoigne spoke candidly about Rashford’s situation at Manchester United, stating, “I definitely think it’s the right choice for him to leave.” He elaborated further, saying, “I admire Rashford, he’s a fantastic player, but something isn’t clicking for him. Even when he scores, he doesn’t look like he’s enjoying it. That tells you there’s something deeper going on, and in my opinion, if you’re not happy, it’s time to move on.”
Gascoigne’s words strike a chord, as they highlight not only Rashford’s dip in form but also the apparent lack of joy that has accompanied his recent performances. For Gascoigne, it seems that playing in England no longer brings Rashford the satisfaction or excitement it once did. Instead, the football icon believes a move to a foreign league, such as Italy’s Serie A, could be the solution. “He could thrive in a new environment, and plenty of top clubs would be keen to sign him,” Gascoigne added.
Reflecting on his own career, Gascoigne recounted his transformative experience when he left English football to play for Lazio in Italy. The change of scenery, the intensity of the training sessions, and the different style of play had a profound impact on him, something he feels Rashford could benefit from as well. “It was a complete shock to my system,” Gascoigne admitted. “I remember my first day with Lazio like it was yesterday. I turned to my dad and said, ‘Let’s go and check out their training for a week.’ What I saw blew my mind—the warm-up alone was brutal. Twenty laps, just to start, followed by all kinds of stretches. I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to handle it.”
Gascoigne’s father, however, encouraged him to push through, even jokingly informing him that he had already made plans to move to Italy, leaving Gascoigne with little choice but to adjust. “My dad looked at me and said, ‘Well, you better get used to it because I’ve found a villa, and I’m moving in.’ It was tough, but it did wonders for me. I think a similar experience could do the same for Rashford.”
For Gascoigne, Rashford’s potential move abroad isn’t just about reigniting his career on the field—it’s about rediscovering his love for the game. The England international’s body language in recent matches suggests a player who is disconnected, and that’s something Gascoigne is all too familiar with. A change of scenery, a new league, and the chance to experience a different footballing culture could be exactly what Rashford needs to reignite his career and bring joy back into his game.
With PSG reportedly eyeing Rashford once again, this could be the perfect time for him to explore Gascoigne’s advice and take the plunge into a new chapter of his career. Whether it’s Serie A or Ligue 1, Gascoigne believes that Rashford’s future success may lie beyond the borders of England. For now, the football world waits to see if Rashford will take this bold step and embrace a new challenge that could ultimately define the next phase
of his career.