Sir Alex Ferguson's 'private stance' on Marcus Rashford has been revealed amid reports that Manchester United are considering whether to sell the forward.
The Telegraph reported on Tuesday that United were 'open' to allowing Rashford, an academy graduate, to leave the club in January or in the summer.
Rashford's sale would represent 'pure profit' in terms of the Premier League regulations - meaning the funds from the sale are recorded in the same season rather than in instalments across different seasons. As a result, the transfer would strengthen United's Financial Fair Play position.
The 27-year-old scored 17 league goals in the 2022/23 season and earned himself a new five-year contract that expires in June 2028.
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But he netted on just seven occasions last term and lost his place in the England squad, which he is yet to win back. It remains to be seen whether he will be able to convince incoming new Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel to recall him.
Rashford did start and score in Ruben Amorim's first game in charge of United at Ipswich Town, and then scored twice in the subsequent 4-0 win over Everton.
Now, legendary United boss Ferguson's private thoughts on Rashford have been revealed.
The Scot, who is currently a director at United and the club's global ambassador until the end of the season, made his feelings on the English forward clear in the early months of his time with the senior team.
As per The Telegraph's James Ducker, Ferguson believed that Rashford was United's best player and had huge potential to become one of the world's top stars while at Old Trafford.
The report adds: "[Ferguson] would tell those within his circle that he would have relished the chance to work with him.
"Ferguson became convinced Rashford was United's best player and those talents needed harnessing to ensure his talent and threat were maximised."
The 27-year-old will hope to be part of the starting lineup for Sunday's Manchester derby against Manchester City.
United are 13th in the Premier League heading into the clash at the Etihad Stadium, and will be desperate to capitalise on City's poor form which has seen them win just one of their last nine games in all competitions.
Topics: Sir Alex Ferguson, Marcus Rashford, Manchester United
Ryan Smart