[Saba Sports News] According to British media reports, senior officials at Manchester United deliberately leaked the existence of a £40 million release clause in Marcus Rashford’s contract, a revelation that has come as a surprise to the player’s camp. Sources at his agency expressed shock that such highly confidential information had been disclosed. The underlying implication is that Manchester United may be ramping up pressure on Rashford’s entourage to push through a transfer as soon as possible, so as to avoid potentially awkward scenes during the club’s pre-season training camp in Dublin in early August. Rashford’s release clause stands at exactly £40 million, and by leaking this detail, United have effectively handed an advantage to any interested suitors, signalling that the forward is affordable for any side genuinely keen to sign him. The club is acutely aware of the terrible public image it would project if it were forced to retain a player who has openly voiced his reluctance to return, snubbed the club while on international duty with England, and even had his squad number revoked.
The editor believes that Manchester United’s move is undoubtedly a push for Rashford’s team to reach a resolution quickly, and this is without a doubt a shrewd decision by the club.