“It’s like a chess game” - Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s old comments on Serie A difficulty resurface amid Marcus Rashford to AC Milan links

Amid Marcus Rashford's links with AC Milan, former Chelsea star Ruben Loftus-Cheek's comments on the difficulty level in Serie A have re-emerged. After his tense relationship with former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, Rashford has fallen out of favor with current boss Ruben Amorim as well.

The 27-year-old England international was left out of United's squad to face Manchester City in the Premier League on December 15, 2024. The Red Devils won the away game 2-1.

After the snub, Marcus Rashford said in an interview that he was ready for a new challenge, not-so-subtly hinting at an Old Trafford exit. He was then excluded from the Matchday squad for the next two games before making his return in the 2-0 loss to Newcastle United on December 30.

However, he remained an unused substitute against the Magpies. He also missed Manchester United's 2-2 draw against Liverpool last weekend (January 5) due to illness.

The English winger has attracted interest from a host of clubs and recent reports suggest that AC Milan are the latest outfit to join the race. Amid links with Serie A, Ruben Loftus-Cheek's old comments about the Italian top flight have resurfaced.

The former Chelsea star, who departed Stamford Bridge for AC Milan in the summer of 2023, said in January last year (via SPORTbible):

“It’s a very tough league, I’ve felt in the first six months here. The teams, they’re all tactically good. It’s so hard to break teams down, it’s like a chess game. You have to work so much more as a team in Italy, which has improved my game a lot and my learning."

Marcus Rashford has made 24 appearances across competitions for Manchester United this season, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.

"That is potentially a very sorry ending" - Journalist provides update on Marcus Rashford's situation at Manchester United

David Ornstein has revealed that Marcus Rashford's situation at Old Trafford could cause problems for Manchester United.

While both the player and the club are open to parting ways, Ornstein has claimed that sanctioning his departure may be difficult, given his substantial wages. The journalist also claimed that reports of Rashford turning down offers from the Middle East are not accurate.

He said (via United in Focus):

“Man Utd are open to his exit. Marcus Rashford, judging by his public comments, is open to it as well. That is potentially a very sorry ending for a homegrown boy."

“In January, his exit will be very difficult. He earns in excess of £325k/week. I’m told that reports of offers being turned down from Saudi Arabia are not accurate. Saudi have pushed back on that," he added.

The Sun recently reported that Napoli are willing to offer Victor Osimhen to Manchester United in exchange for Rashford's services. However, the swap deal could have complications, according to Ornstein.

“There are reports of a swap deal with Victor Osimhen and Napoli but that will be so complicated. The door is still open at United but it will be so difficult," he added.