Ferdinand urges Man United to reverse Rashford exit as Baturina catches eye at World Cup

Rio Ferdinand has publicly urged Manchester United to reverse course on Marcus Rashford’s future, while the club have reportedly identified Croatia’s Martin Baturina as a transfer target after his eye-catching World Cup performance against England.

Ferdinand’s change of heart on Rashford

Ferdinand, a former United captain, admitted he has shifted his position on Rashford after the 28-year-old’s resurgent year on loan at Barcelona, where he helped the club win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. Rashford then came off the bench to score in England’s 4-2 victory over Croatia at the World Cup on Wednesday.

United are reported to have placed a £40 million valuation on the academy graduate, with several Premier League clubs said to be interested in a permanent deal. But Ferdinand believes the time away from Old Trafford may have benefited both player and club.

“Manchester United might have to start re-evaluating Marcus Rashford’s situation,” Ferdinand said on his YouTube channel. “I’m not wrong and strong, that’s not my game. I’m happy to change. It seems like Marcus Rashford has matured — the time away from the club may have done him the good he needed and maybe it’s cleansed both parties. Is it time to shake hands and for him to say, ‘I’m back’?”

Barcelona are still reportedly keen on extending Rashford’s loan, and other clubs remain in pursuit, leaving United with a decision to make over his long-term future.

Baturina on United’s radar

United have also been linked with Martin Baturina after the 23-year-old Croatia midfielder scored a stunning equaliser against England in the same World Cup fixture. The goal was the first of two Croatia equalisers before Jude Bellingham and Rashford sealed the result for the Three Lions.

According to Sky Italia, United are among several English clubs monitoring Baturina, with Leeds United and Aston Villa also credited with interest. Bayern Munich have reportedly made enquiries as well.

Any deal is unlikely to come cheap. Como, the Serie A club Baturina joined last summer from Dinamo Zagreb, have already rejected a £43 million offer for the attacking midfielder, who is barely a year into a five-year contract.