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Rio Ferdinand has suggested that Manchester United may need to “re-evaluate” Marcus Rashford’s future at Old Trafford following the forward’s impressive performance for England against Croatia, amid reports that two new clubs have approached the Red Devils about a possible transfer.

Rashford has not played a competitive game for United since December 2014 after a fallout with manager Ruben Amorim. Since then, he has enjoyed loan spells at Aston Villa and, more recently, Barcelona, where he recorded 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions last season.

However, that tally was not enough to convince the Catalan giants to activate their €30 million (£26 million) option to sign him permanently this summer, particularly after they secured the services of fellow Englishman Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £70 million.

Although Barcelona are believed to be open to another loan arrangement for Rashford, Manchester United are reportedly only considering permanent offers, with several clubs showing interest in the 28-year-old winger.

United’s hierarchy currently maintains that Rashford has no future at the club, but Ferdinand believes that stance deserves reconsideration. The former defender pointed to Rashford’s resurgence at Barcelona and his impactful cameo appearance for the Three Lions during Wednesday’s 4-2 win over Croatia.

In that match, Thomas Tuchel’s England side led 3-2 thanks to a brace from Harry Kane and a goal from Jude Bellingham. Fellow substitute Bukayo Saka then provided an assist for Rashford, who cut inside and calmly slotted past Dominik Livakovic to secure all three points for England.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ferdinand said, “Do you know what, Manchester United might have to start re-evaluating Marcus Rashford’s situation.”

He continued, “I’m happy to change, I’m happy to change. I’m not wrong and strong, that’s not my game. It seems like Marcus Rashford has matured; time away from the club may have done him the good he needed and maybe it’s cleansed both parties.”

Ferdinand went on to say, “Is it time? Is it time to shake hands and for him to say, ‘I’m back’? I think you can see a maturity with Marcus Rashford now. That spell at Barcelona has worked out in a way that he now understands his role. He was an impact player at times for Barcelona, and that could be his function with England as well.”

“If he’s coming off the bench and making that kind of difference, then that’s a huge asset for any squad because you need players who can change games. If I’m an opposing full-back and I see Marcus Rashford warming up, I’m hoping to be substituted because you don’t want to face that. He’s not coming on to see the game out; he’s coming on to hurt you.”

Interest in Rashford is reportedly growing, with Premier League sides such as Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham Hotspur all monitoring his situation. Journalist Ben Jacobs told The United Stand that Saudi Pro League clubs Al Qadsiah and newly-promoted Al-Diraiyah have also made initial approaches to Manchester United regarding the player.

The United Stand shared that “two Saudi Pro League clubs – Al Qadsiah and newly-promoted Al-Diraiyah – have made approaches for Marcus Rashford, though it remains unclear whether he is open to a move there at this stage. Al-Hilal are also expected to strengthen their wide options with a marquee foreign signing.”