Michael Owen has urged one Manchester United star to stay at Old Trafford this summer after admitting that they could command a “ridiculous” transfer fee.
Manchester United ended their 2023-24 season on a high note after the Red Devils beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley last month.
But the Red Devils underwhelmed in the Premier League and limped to an eighth-place finish, with Erik ten Hag’s men missing out on Champions League football.
Erik ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford was also in doubt after the up-and-down season at United before Ineos made their decision to retain the Dutchman’s services.
United had initiated a season review after the FA Cup final and Red Devils boss Ten Hag awaited to learn his fate at the Premier League club.
Ten Hag is out of contract with United in 2025 and it is now believed that Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos team are negotiating a new deal with the United boss.
The former Ajax boss is expected to make changes to his squad this summer, including reinforcing key positions ahead of the 2024-25 season.
United are also tipped to offload players this summer and certain departures have already been revealed, including the exits of Raphael Varane and Anthony Martial.
Owen on Man Utd star’s transfer fee
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Michael Owen has sent a clear-cut message that Marcus Rashford should remain at Old Trafford this summer.
Marcus Rashford was in the form of his life in Erik ten Hag’s debut season at United and earned high praise for his performances in the 2022-23 campaign.
However, the 26-year-old United star struggled in the 2023-24 season and only managed to score seven times in 33 Premier League appearances.
Rashford, who scored 17 times in 35 league appearances in the 2022-23 season, also failed to make the England squad for Euro 2024 in Germany this summer.
Owen has now insisted that the United star could cost any club up to £100m or “something ridiculous,” with the Red Devils likely to seek a premium price for him.
“I think he [Rashford] should stay,” he said.
“I mean, he’s a local lad, he’s obviously a talented boy. And with all due respect, he’s a great player, but where’s his move?
“Who buys him? He’s not going to cost 20 million, is he? He’s going to be 80, 90, 100 million or something ridiculous. So who buys him at that? I can’t imagine.”
Owen sends message about Rashford
Rashford was on the receiving end of criticism both for his form and his actions off the pitch, including his visits to nightclubs in the 2023-24 season.
The England international spoke out against the heated backlash he received, with Ten Hag keeping faith with Rashford to turn things around at United.
Owen claimed that Rashford is a “very talented” player, but he admitted he would be surprised if any of the “big hitters” were ready to drop a big transfer fee for him.
“Having been so up and down and out of form for periods, I’d be very surprised if any of the big hitters would want to go and spend massive, massive money on him,” he said.
“So, I think as much as it’s all pie in the sky and everybody likes to get excited by it.
“I just don’t see any option really, bar him finding his form at Manchester United. As I say, he’s talented, very talented.”