Lee Sharpe talks exclusively to William Hill

Former Manchester United winger Lee Sharpe talks exclusively to William Hill about what’s going on at his former Club. He touches on winger Marcus Rashford’s recent media comments, new Manager Ruben Amorim’s most important task as new manager and also winger Garnacho’s famous goal in 2024.

How much do you think people can read much into the derby result, given Manchester City’s slump in form and the ongoing change at United?

It’s a big win for Manchester United and for Amorim as it shows that they can go to a top team and win. Irrelevant of Man City’s recent results, to win at Etihad is no mean feat and credit to the players for fighting to the end, being brave and pushing forward to score. This can give Amad huge confidence as well as the defence too. With League form important, this could be the start of a good run of form over the festive period and Top 4 , Top6 are not out of reach at all, if Utd can go on a good run.

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Given the upheaval at the club, what would success this season look like for Manchester United, in your opinion?

Being more consistent in the League, Amorim getting an XI playing regularly together is key for Manchester United. Looking at League position then European football is a must and Top 4 would be huge success, Top6 would be ok as well; given the position when he took over. With FA Cup and Europa League available, a winning any of these would also deem a successful season. But for him, he will look to decide who will form part of his long term plans for the Club and if it means Rashford isnt part of that then we move on and Amorim will look to recruit well over the Summer. Utd may look to add to the squad in Jan, but with FFP they may just look at loans, or even swap deals, depending on if the players he wants are available.

Marcus Rashford is no stranger to social media and speaking to the press, what do you make of his recent handling of being dropped for the derby?

I think Marcus should have spoken to the Manager before speaking to any outside media. Words can get twisted, or mis interpreted and this isn’t good for player or Club. It’s important to keep things inside the Club and dealt with so that Marcus can do what he does best which is perform on the pitch well for Manchester United. Amorim has said in response that a Manchester United with Marcus in the team, is a better one, so Marcus has the olive branch if he wants to take it. Its up to him now as it will be a massive shame if he leaves like this as his scoring record over the years has been excellent.

Where do you think Marcus Rashford’s future lies?

It’s a tough one as Marcus’ comments suggest he thinks his future may be away from Old Trafford, although Amorim has left the door well open by saying a Manchester United side with Rashford in, is a better one. If Rashford can put in the effort, he can be a key part of Amorim’s plans, but if his mind is made up, then Amorim will decide how this plays out.

Can you recall any past team-mates (hopefully at United but other clubs too) whose exit was similar to Rashford in your time? Eg amicable splits, valuable player but just had to go?
I can’t really. In my time Paul Ince left and was shocked to be let go by Sir Alex, but there was no animosity or fall out with that. Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes all left and there was no issue and were all amicable. Same with Andrei Kanchelskis so there wasn’t anything like this. The media is different now, then we kept things in house, but now you have seen a few instances of players speaking to media.

Is the timing of Rashford’s announcement poor/should he have waited until end of season? Should Amorim drop the player/give minutes to others, or do you try get the most out of him?
Yes, you ideally want to wait until the end of the season and then speak with the Manager. But again, we don’t know what exactly Marcus has meant by wanting a new challenge. We can all speculate that it is time for him to move on from Manchester United and start a new a challenge at a new club, but could also mean a new challenge with Amorim and working to get back to his best. Amorim has said a Manchester United team with Rashford is better with him, not without him, so there is motivation here for Rashford to return to his best form. But as Amorim looks to see every player perform, he has decided to drop Rashford for the derby game, so it’s up to Marcus to respond.

Have you had many run-ins with Marcus and what’s your impression of him? Obviously he had the partying incident in Belfast last season – do you get the impression he’s lost his way at all?
I don’t know Marcus, but from what I have heard over the years, he is a nice guy. He isn’t massively vocal; he is quiet and considered in what he does and you look at off the field what he has done it is remarkable with the food banks for children and those in need. It seems he has had a lot on his shoulders, and this may have taken it’s toll. But he came on the scene and performing brilliantly for Manchester United. His goals against the big sides is excellent and there is no doubt he is super talented as he has shown and also in the past for England. I hope we see Rashford return to his best at Manchester Untied and it will be a shame to part ways with people remembering this current period, when it should be about his brilliant performances and goals he has scored.

What do you think/have you heard is the main reason for the breakdown between Rashford and club?

I honestly don’t know. As mentioned, he is quiet guy, he isn’t one to be too vocal around the dressing room, he has let his football do the talking and when he is on form there is no player like Rashford with his pace and finishing power. The managerial changes and performances on the pitch from the team could well be something which is a reason for this, plus also the weight of the club being on his shoulders with the pressure to lead from the front. With so much more media scrutiny and focus on the club than in our day, it could be a reason as well and Marcus hasn’t been able to deal with it.

Can you see Rash joining another PL club? If so, who would make for the best fit based on level/opportunities?

With the wages Marcus is on, it would be difficult for another Premier League team to buy him, however, if there is a swap deal on the table, then this would be the only way I think. I believe a foreign move would be most likely, and if Marcus feels his England time is up, then Saudi could be an option.

Do you agree with Marcus Rashford’s decision to come out and publicly fuel speculation surrounding his future?

No, you must keep things inside the club. Marcus should have spoken with the Manager first as speaking with the media can sometimes result in mis communications. A new challenge can mean he is looking forward to a new challenge under Amorim, but the most probable new challenge is that he feels it’s time for him to move on from Manchester United. Sitting down with Amorim should and can still be the best option to identify he next step for Marcus and the club. Marcus has brilliant for Manchester United over the years, but recently he hasn’t found the form of scoring 30 goals in a season. He doesn’t seem to be playing with the same energy as he was and this must be resolved for both player and Club. You look at Amorim saying that a Manchester United with Rashford is better than one without him, so this can be motivation for Marcus to knuckle down and get back into the team and perform at the levels we know he can.

How is this different to when Jadon Sancho undermined Erik ten Hag after being dropped vs Arsenal last year? Ruben Amorim can’t be happy…

It is different for sure as Jaden had a direct issue with the Manager and this is very different to Marcus saying he wants a new challenge. This challenge could mean that he is ready to work under Amorim, or that for both parties, it is best to part ways when the time is right. Amorim is looking at every player, every day and he won’t let anything stop his aim of getting a settled side together, whether it includes Marcus or not. He won’t let this situation rumble on either. He has stated he wants Rashford in the team, but it’s now up to the player and this is the way it should be. So we hope Marcus can work hard in training and get back in the side.

Do you back Alejandro Garnacho to respond strongly after receiving the same treatment vs Man City?

Yes, absolutely. He must show 100% commitment in training and everything he does in the club, both on and off the field. Amorim has said he is looking to build a culture in the club which is excellent and set a tone for the Club moving forward. This doesn’t happen overnight, but the fundamentals can be put in place for the players to adhere too. Garnacho has the talent, so he can look to respond in the best way by performing on the pitch, creating chances, making assists and scoring goals

Is Garnacho the worthy Puskas Award winner? Will he ever score a goal better than that bicycle kick against Everton?

100%! What a goal that was! Pure brilliance by the kid and I don’t think he scores a better one than that. He has the talent to perform at that level every week and he can shine under Amorim for sure. I hope we see him continue to deliver on the pitch as Amorim will play a way which can get the best out of him and he can thrive under this new way of playing.