Opinion: West Ham should go and sign 24-year-old this summer, he’s already said Moyes ‘changed his life’

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West Ham United have been linked with a move for unsettled Manchester United man Marcus Rashford, and if the club can find the money he’d be a great buy.

As Fabrizio Romano reported in the Guardian yesterday morning, Marcus Rashford is ‘considering his future’ after finding less minutes available under Ralf Rangnick this season. A change in formation and the emergence of 19-year-old Anthony Elanga has seen Rashford stuck sitting on the bench.

What are his options?

Many clubs are interested after hearing news of Rashford’s unrest, according to 90min. Especially United’s top 4 rivals Arsenal and West Ham as well as newly rich Newcastle.

Arsenal currently have the dynamic young duo of Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe vying for a place on the left wing meaning a move from them is not likely.

Newcastle have the money needed, but there are doubts as to whether Rashford would join a club not in european competition.

West Ham however, would have a place ready and waiting for him. Rashford has said in the past that “20 minutes” with West Ham boss Moyes “changed his life”, this is a relationship West Ham could exploit. Teammate Jesse lingard has also recommended the Hammers after a successful loan spell there last season.

Could West Ham attract Rashford?

It’s possible, Rashford has dipped in form this season in what many were hoping would be a season in which he presented himself on the world stage.

New manager Ralf Rangnick prefers the younger Anthony Elanga and £70million+ summer signing Jadon Sancho in his system. This, coupled with injuries, has limited Rashford to the bench. As a result Rashford has only registered 4 goals and 4 assists this season.

Rashford’s contract runs out in 2023, meaning Man United will want to cash in on him before he can go for free. Manchester United expert Dan Coombs has talked to Hammers News about the possibility of Rashford leaving.

“Man United have been playing with fire letting Rashford’s contract get to the point it has”

“if he doesn’t perform and the new manager doesn’t fancy him, there could well be a shock exit.”

Manchester United are said to be demanding £70 million. This type of money has in the past, been out of West Ham’s price range. But, a willingness to spend more in recent seasons on players like Felipe Anderson and Sebastien Haller, could open the door for a sensational bid.

It would be a huge statement from West Ham. West Ham fans will hope they can find the money without selling important players like Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen.

TBR View: Would Rashford suit West Ham?

West Ham play a direct and counter attacking brand of football that uses pace and power. Both Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio are critical.

However, what has become obvious of late is when Antonio or Bowen don’t perform, West Ham don’t perform. Between them they have a total of 22 goals in all competitions making up around 35% of West Ham’s total goals this season.

Adding Rashford to their frontline would take the pressure off them.

Rashford scored 11 goals and registered 11 assists last season for Man United, showing both his clinical finishing and his unselfishness. His presence would immediately improve them.

West Ham have struggled for goals recently, with the team registering an expected goals rating of 1.34 in their match against Liverpool without scoring. Rashford would improve this immediately. Last season Rashford’s combined xg totalled 9.58. Adding another 10 goals to this West Ham team would improve their chances of making top 4 dramatically.

Rashford has played both on the wing and through the centre for Man United throughout his career. This adaptability would suit the fluidity of Bowen and Antonio and would finally complete an attack that could challenge for top 4.

The regular playing time it would allow Rashford would surely push him to reach the potential people saw in him at a young age. If West Ham can find the ‘£70 million’ needed to make the deal happen, they should do it.