“I’ll take that with me” - Marcus Rashford’s message to Cristiano Ronaldo when he left Manchester United in 2022 resurfaces amid Al-Nassr links

Marcus Rashford named Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his footballing idols back in 2022. The two played together during the Portuguese's second stint with Manchester United.

The 27-year-old's future at Old Trafford has been thrown up in the air after he was kept out of the squad for the Red Devils' last two games. He wasn't part of the United squad for the Manchester derby as well as Thursday's EFL Cup quarterfinal against Tottenham Hotspur.

The Englishman stated in a recent interview with journalist Henry Winter that he was open to a new challenge. Recent rumours have linked Marcus Rashford with a reunion with CR7 at Al-Nassr.

Speaking in 2022 following Cristiano Ronaldo's exit from Old Trafford, Rashford said that he relished the opportunity of playing alongside the Portuguese.

“It’s been an unbelievable experience to play with him. He’s one of my idols and someone I’ve always looked up to, so to have the opportunity to play with him was unbelievable," said Rashford (via The Sun).

He continued:

“I’ll take that with me, and it’s something I can keep with me forever. I wish him all the best and we want to thank him for the things he has done for Manchester United and wish him all the best for the rest of his career.”

Marcus Rashford's contract with Manchester United expires in 2028. However, recent reports have suggested that the Red Devils could let him go for just £40m next year.

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How many games have Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford played together?

Cristiano Ronaldo

Marcus Rashford shared the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo 39 times for Manchester United from September 2021 to December 2022. The Englishman was an established face at Old Trafford when CR7 returned for his second stint with the club.

Rashford rose through the ranks with the Red Devils before breaking into the first team under Louis van Gaal. He enjoyed a stunning rise under the Dutch manager, before continuing his progress under Jose Mourinho and later Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

It was during the Norwegian's reign that Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo were on the pitch together for the first time. Following Solskjaer's departure, the two continued to work together under Ralf Ragnick and later Erik ten Hag.

However, CR7's time at Old Trafford came to an abrupt end at the end of 2022, following a public fallout with the Dutch manager. Manchester United won 19 and lost 12 of the games that Rashford and Ronaldo played together.