Rio Ferdinand certain Man Utd fans don't know real Marcus Rashford transfer reason

Rio Ferdinand has been left scratching his head over Marcus Rashford's impending departure from Manchester United. The club icon is certain that there must be more going on behind the scenes than fans know about.

Rashford, who joined United's academy at just seven years old, has made more than 400 appearances for his boyhood club. The 27-year-old looks set for a season-long loan to Barcelona after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.

He was dropped by manager Ruben Amorim last season, leading to a temporary move to Aston Villa in January. Now, it appears Rashford's time away from Manchester is set to continue with Barcelona expected to foot his wages and retain an option to make the move permanent next summer.

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Following his exclusion from the squad for the Manchester derby in December, Rashford expressed his desire for a fresh challenge elsewhere. This revelation initially came as a surprise, given his longstanding association with the Red Devils.

Speaking on his about Rashford's impending move to Barcelona, Ferdinand said: "There must have been so much going on behind the scenes that we're just not aware of. And Marcus isn't someone who really wants to talk and do interviews, so you have to respect that.

"But I'm sure it'll come out in the wash at some point. Is it because of a lack of form? A lack of confidence? Mismanagement? Have the club failed him?

"Or is it down to him? Is there injuries we don't know about? Has he lost that desire? That form is gone and he can't rekindle it and can't get it back?

"What are the issues that have led to a young kid that's a graduate of the academy at Manchester United, which is famous for all of the great players that have come through there, that he says he wants to leave?"

Rashford is among five players, including Alejandro Garnacho, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia, who have been told to seek new clubs. It appears he will be the first to secure a move away from the struggling Premier League giants.

Sancho may soon follow, with a potential permanent transfer to Juventus in the works. The winger spent last season on loan at Chelsea, having struggled to replicate his best form in a United shirt.

After Rashford's omission from United's 0-0 pre-season draw against Leeds United, his team-mate Amad wished him well when asked about his impending departure.

"Well, the only thing I can say is good luck to him, but I'm more focused on United and my team," the young winger said.

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