Simon Jordan didn’t hold back when discussing Marcus Rashford’s plight on Tuesday morning.
Not only did Rashford receive both barrels from the former owner of Crystal Palace, journalist Henry Winter also came under fire.
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Winter, who regularly provides an expert look at football’s biggest stories for The Pitch Prospect, was the first to reveal the blockbuster news that Rashford was seeking a way out of Old Trafford.
During an exclusive conversation with Winter last month, the 27-year-old expressed his desire for a “new challenge.”
The striker has been linked with a move this month to suitors AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, but the player’s £325,000-a-week wages could prove a major stumbling block.
No official proposal to loan Rashford has been made so far, despite the player not playing a role in the club’s last nine games.
Reports on Tuesday suggested Rashford has completed extra training sessions to regain his place or find his rhythm ahead of a move this month.
Asked whether Rashford could stay at Old Trafford, Winter believes it is more likely he will move before the February 3 deadline.
“It all comes down to money and tactics,” Winter said. “Wages are huge, Manchester United are focused on PSR [Profit and Sustainability Rules].
“He was not used by Amorim for nine match days. I think the direction of development two months ago was that the two sides parted ways.
“I think the tactical side needs to be taken into account. We have seen him play through the middle on occasion and he has done quite well there.
“If you look at Amorim’s tactical approach, the 3-4-2-1, he doesn’t really fit in. As we have seen with club and country, he is best positioned on the left in a 4-3-3.
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“The fact that he is doing extra training is fantastic. I think that’s what players should do. I’d be surprised if that means he stays.”
Jordan was keen to speak out and did so when asked whether Rashford staying at Old Trafford would look worse for him or Amorim.
“It depends on how you perceive the space,” Jordan said. “Henry believes that Manchester United orchestrated this situation.
“I’m not entirely sure it was wise for Rashford to reveal what he said to Henry because I don’t think it helps the situation.
“I don’t necessarily think out should be out. As for Marcus Rashford, I think he did his best at Manchester United.
“But I don’t think it’s a given that just because someone has been offside, they should never be offside again.”
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Jordan then claimed that Rashford’s representatives may now view the interview with Winter as a mistake.
However, Winter clarified his position and explained the process he went through before publishing the bombshell story.
“What happens in journalism and an interview like this is me talking to the club before I run it,” he said. “I have also spoken to enough people to see the direction Manchester United are moving in for financial reasons to generate money to sign players.”
“Rashford’s direction was through the exit,” he added. “With such a good player you would want the departure to be handled sensitively and respectfully and the impression I had of Rashford is that he wanted to walk out the front door with his head held high and not criticize the club.”
“He expressed that strongly and was very calm when I spoke to him. I don’t think anything was rushed.
“You have to remember that footballers are people and he has done a lot for this club.”
Jordan was taken aback by Winter’s comments and interjected, “Pack it up Henry, I can’t listen to your sentimental tripe sometimes.” The fact is this is a business transaction.”
Winter replied: “It’s a business but we also have to remember that footballers are people, he has done a lot for the club, he could have done a lot more in the last two years.”
Jordan hit back: “I don’t understand. What does this have to do with Marcus Rashford’s decision to use you as a mouthpiece? To which Winter replied: “He wanted to make his point.”
Jordan unanimously ended the debate by explaining why the interview left all parties worse off.
He said: “We watched for three years the player walking around with a face like a bruised bottom doing the bare minimum and you’re asking people to look at that as a human being?”
“Well, everyone understands that they are human, everyone values people on an equal level. When he has reached the point where he is excluded from all equations under successive managers and as an England international.
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“He’s sitting on a podcast saying ‘woe is me’ with nice little music playing in the background, feeling terrible about the circumstances he’s been through. He is a very lucky player playing for a very big football club who, in my opinion, have not given him the credit he should be given.
“He aggravated it and completely misread the room. You got a wonderful report Henry, well done, you’re a great journalist, but it’s a bit messy for Marcus Rashford and Manchester United.
“The player hasn’t come through it well, the fans haven’t reacted particularly well to it and the market hasn’t reacted well to Marcus Rashford being available to buy and Manchester United are sitting with a player who can be bought now.” I do the wonderful thing of double sessions.
“Wonderful, what a great result.”