William Gallas has suggested that Marcus Rashford could save his career with a move to his former club Chelsea during the summer transfer window. 

The 26-year-old has endured a torrid 2023-24 campaign at his boyhood club Manchester United just one season after netting a stunning 30 goals under Erik ten Hag. 

But persistent injury and faltering form have seen Rashford unable to recreate his blistering form last year at Old Trafford, and amid plans for wholesale changes in Man United’s ranks over the summer, a question mark lingers over his future involvement. 

Gallas became the latest to add his call to the mix on Tuesday, suggesting that rather than seeking a new path abroad, Rashford could yet be unlocked closer to home. 

‘There will always be quality players who are interested in signing for Chelsea, but we have to ask if Rashford would want to leave Man United,’ Gallas told Genting Casino. 

‘Nobody knows the reason, maybe he has a problem with Erik ten Hag – if he leaves then Rashford could stay. A player like Rashford, we want to see the exciting young player who broke through on fire, running everywhere and scoring beautiful goals.

‘He had a lot of commitment then as well, now he is not the same player. Maybe injuries have been a problem and another club for a fresh start could be the right option and Chelsea would provide this for him.’

Ten Hag may have publicly remonstrated his player following his reported 12-hour night out in Belfast, which saw him turn up late to training the day after, but he has otherwise offered support on a number of occasions amid Rashford’s tricky run of form. 

When Rashford commented that he had endured ‘months and months’ of abuse from supporters last month, the Dutchman was quick to empathise with the player’s position. 

‘I have a lot of sympathy for Rashy, of course,’ Ten Hag said. ‘Last year he had a brilliant season, the best season of his career scoring 30 goals so you see what he is capable of.

‘This season he didn’t give the performances and people are very critical. I think we have to back him.

‘Everyone should back him and push him to get back to the levels he was last year.’

But if it was that Rashford found it challenging working under Ten Hag, it could yet be that he – and his Man United team-mates – find them coached by a different personality altogether next season. 

Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are believed to be considering a range of candidates if they decide to move on from Ten Hag over the summer, including Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, Thomas Tuchel, and Gareth Southgate. 

Ten Hag’s future will likely hinge on the result of Saturday’s FA Cup Final, when Man United have their last shot at securing European football next season after wrapping up the league in eighth – their lowest-ever Premier League finish. 

By contrast, Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea enjoyed a strong end to their 2023-24 campaign, and will compete in either the Europa League or the UEFA Conference League next season, dependent on Man United’s result on Saturday. 

The Blues have already started their summer shopping spree, moving for promising Brazilian youngster Estevao Willian in a £29million deal to win the teenager from Palmeiras. 

However, future transfers may yet depend on the club’s ability to sell players, with a number of academy graduates, including Trevoh Chalobah and 2023-24 stalwart Conor Gallagher, reportedly earmarked for sale when the window opens.