Marcus Rashford told to follow ex-Chelsea duo’s example as time for Man Utd move ticks down

Former Chelsea ace Joe Cole has urged Marcus Rashford to follow Fikayo Tomori and Tammy Abraham's example when he decides his future at Manchester United.

In December, Rashford, 27, admitted he is ready for a new challenge after being exiled from the United first team squad by Ruben Amorim in seven of the last eight Premier League matchdays. However, a move for the Englishman is proving to be complex and despite strong links to the likes of Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Barcelona, time is running out, with the transfer window slamming shut on February 3.

There have also been reports that Rashford is not against remaining at Old Trafford and fighting for his place at the club. Yet, TNT Sports pundit Cole thinks that would be unwise, given his current situation at United and the struggles he has endured over the last few seasons.

He has urged Rashford to look at Abraham and Tomori, who have transformed their careers and won trophies by ditching the Premier League and moving to Serie A, where they both play for AC Milan.

In an exclusive interview with Mirror Football, Cole, who was speaking on behalf of TNT Sports to promote watching live sport in pubs, said: "Marcus needs to reinvigorate his career. He is clearly a talented player, he has been a brilliant player for Manchester United and England over many years. It will benefit him.

"The Premier League is where it is at, it is the toughest league in the world. But if you look at how well the boys who have left and gone out to Italy have done, the Tomori’s, the Tammy’s (Abraham), we have players all over the world in Germany, Italy, they are all doing well, like Gittens at Borussia Dortmund.

"It’s easier to play in these leagues. That isn’t me being an Anglophile, that’s just facts. Marcus, his confidence is low, he’s been under pressure for so many years.

Image: Getty Images) Getty Images)

"Go away with your family, go and play somewhere, reignite your love for football. And, by the way, it is absolutely superb to do. You take in a new environment, new experiences. He would go out there and have a great time.”

Tomori left Chelsea for AC Milan on loan in the 2021 January transfer window, before signing permanently for the European giants the following summer. He has since gone on to win Serie A and the Italian Super Cup, while also reaching the Champions League semi-final in 2023.

Abraham departed Stamford Bridge to join Jose Mourinho at Roma in the summer of 2021. After three years, which saw him win the Europa Conference League, Abraham reunited with Tomori when he was sent on loan to the Rossoneri.

Image: Leigh Dawney/C1 Media) Leigh Dawney/C1 Media)

Both players have established themselves as regulars at the European giants. Rashford was also linked with AC Milan for many weeks, but their recent move for ex-Manchester City defender Kyle Walker put an end to any possible move.

The United frontman has not featured for the Red Devils since the 2-1 away victory over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on December 12. He has been strongly linked with Barcelona in recent weeks, but any move is expected to be tricky.

Joe Cole was speaking on behalf of TNT Sports about enjoying UEFA Champions League midweek football in your local pub. To find out where you can watch visit https://www.tntsports.co.uk/pubfinder/ or to find out more about a TNT Sports commercial subscription, go to https://www.tntsportsbusiness.co.uk/

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