Manchester United co-owners INEOS should axe Marcus Rashford and think about selling Bruno Fernandes too, according to Jamie Carragher.
The Red Devils have made a dreadful start to the season, with five wins in 15 Premier League games good enough only for 13th in the table. And although Ruben Amorim has been appointed to implement a new set of ideas, his impact has not been as dramatic as many would have hoped.
After years of splashing out in the transfer market, it is understood that United need to make sales if they are to spend big this January. And Amorim is sure to want some cash behind him in order to welcome players who fit his system.
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Liverpool legend Carragher believes that Rashford, who pockets a reported £375,000 a week, should be one of the first to go. "Amorim has taken over an underperforming squad on high wages, and it needs trimming to enable him to invest in the players he needs," he wrote for The Telegraph.
"Given how many signings have dropped in value since joining United, it does not surprise me that big names such as Marcus Rashford are being linked with a move. United should sell him as he is not delivering value for his lucrative contract.
"Eleven goals in his 48 league appearances over the past 18 months is not good enough. He is 27 now and should be in his prime. United will never win the Premier League or Champions League if he is leading the line."
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While sections of the United fanbase would be happy to cash in on Rashford, Fernandes generally enjoys greater support. The 30-year-old has registered eight goal contributions in 15 league games this season and, above all, he is the club captain.
But one issue has arisen in that Amorim's 3-4-3 formation does not involve a standard No 10, which is where Fernandes plays his best football. And Carragher thinks that he, too, should be on the chopping block.
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"Fernandes has been one of United’s best players during a tough period and would have shone with more quality around him during his Old Trafford career," he continued. "But he is 30 now and there may be value in offloading him to raise funds.
"Amorim may see it differently and believe a few more years of Fernandes alongside shrewd additions will serve the team better. Selling must be a consideration, however, because Fernandes is one of the few players who can attract a significant fee if profitability and sustainability rules are an issue."
