Manchester United star could line up against Cristiano Ronaldo in 2025 as 3 Saudi clubs plot transfer swoop: Reports

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford could line up against Cristiano Ronaldo next year, as three Saudi Pro League clubs have shown interest in the 27-year-old as per TalkSPORT (via Tribal Football).

Rashford has fallen out of favor with new manager Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese tactician left out the Englishman from the squad that faced Manchester City in the league last Sunday (December 12). Rashford did not also take part in the side's 3-4 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Thursday (December 19).

There have been speculations that his time at Old Trafford might be coming to an end. The player also admitted in a recent interview with journalist Henry Winter that he is ready for a new challenge, further fueling rumors of his exit.

It was earlier reported that the England international does not fancy playing in the Middle East. However, a recent report via the aforementioned source says Al Ahli, Al Ittihad, and Al-Qadsiah are all interested in Rashford and will look to snap him up on loan in the January transfer market.

If a deal to Saudi Arabia materializes, the Englishman could potentially face former teammate Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League. Rashford has also been linked with a move to LaLiga giants Atletico Madrid who are reportedly interested in a loan move for the Manchester United star.

A product of the club's academy.Rashford made his first team debut in 2016. Since then he has been a regular at Old Trafford amassing 138 goals and 63 assists in 426 games for the club.However, with these recent happening, his future at Old Trafford now hangs in the balance.

The Red Devils will next play Bournemouth in the league on Sunday, December 22. It remains to be seen if Rashford will make the matchday squad or be dropped for a third game running.

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Marcus Rashord's message to Cristiano Ronaldo when he left Manchester United in 2022

Marcus Rashford named Cristiano Ronaldo as one of his idols in 2022 after the 39-year-old left Manchester United to join Saudi club Al-Nassr. Ronaldo had a fall out with the club board and then-manager Erik ten Hag which led to his contract being terminated.

Speaking about the five-time Ballon d'Or then, Rashford said (via The Sun):

"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."

"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," he added.

Marcus Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo shared the pitch 39 times for Manchester United recording two joint goal participations.