Our Manchester United fans here in the Transfer Tavern are hoping that Jose Mourinho has learnt from previous mistakes and will not be letting this local gem leave so easily.

Kevin De Bruyne, Mo Salah and Romelu Lukaku are few names that Mourinho has let go in the past and, they’ve turned out to be huge mistakes further down the line when looking back. Indeed, recent reports are linking United’s local hero Marcus Rashford (£45m rated by Transfermarkt) with a move away from the club, despite his popularity amongst our punters.

Since the arrival of Alexis Sanchez, our barman has noticed that Rashford seems to have been moved around a lot more and has kept the subs bench really warm in recent months – much to his annoyance according to reports. Unlike the start of the season, where he and Anthony Martial were tearing up the left wing and destroying defences, week in, week out, he doesn’t have a defined role.

Rashford is an unfinished talent – no doubt. However, if he continues on his current trajectory, the Englishman could be one of the world’s best in years to come and to let him go now would be a huge mistake according to our landlord, his biggest since allowing Kevin De Bruyne to leave Chelsea a few years ago. With that in mind, here are his TWO reasons why…

Many years left in the tank

Marcus Rashford, alongside Martial, are two of the hottest properties in European football at the moment. Indeed, Mourinho brought in Sanchez in the winter window which has shifted the balance of the team and, with the Chilean’s arrival, it certainly signalled a statement of intent in the here and now.

However, Rashford is certainly the future of the Red Devils, and while Sanchez starts to tip over the age of 30, the English international has plenty of years left in the tank.

This is something that Mourinho should be looking at for the team long past his stay at Old Trafford.

The catalyst for success

The Englishman is one of the hottest talents around and can be one of the world’s best in years to come, so losing him would be a huge mistake and only strengthen another team. Many in the bar feel that Mourinho should start to possibly build a team around the likes of Rashford and company, potentially creating yet another great United strike force.

If Mourinho learns anything from the past, he is best off looking at the impact his departures are having in the Premier League this season with Man City and Liverpool.