Cristiano Ronaldo delivers clear verdict on Marcus Rashford as Man Utd star snubs Saudi Arabia

Cristiano Ronaldo has boldly claimed that the Saudi Professional League overshadows many European football leagues. The iconic striker, who has played on the pitches of Manchester United and Real Madrid, has been in Saudi Arabia since his arrival during the January 2023 transfer window.

Following a controversial split with United following his tell-all interview with Piers Morgan, speculation is rife over Marcus Rashford's potential move to the Saudi Pro League.

Despite rejecting three lucrative offers from the wealthy nation, which could reach £35 million a year, Rashford's future at United looks uncertain after being out of action since December 7, barring an appearance in team against Newcastle United.

Ronaldo's recent remarks at the Globe Soccer Awards highlight the perceived strength of the Saudi league: “The Saudi League is better than Ligue 1, of course. France only has PSG. The rest is over. Try to sprint by 38, 39, 40 degrees and see.”

He also previously said: “To be honest, I think the Saudi League is not worse than the French League, in my opinion. [the] In the French championship, I think there are two, three teams with a good level.

“In Saudi Arabia now I think it's more competitive. They can say whatever they want, it's just my opinion and I played there for a year so I know what I'm talking about. But I think that right now we are better than [the] French Championship, we are still improving.

“We have very good teams, very good Arab players, but the infrastructure needs to improve a little more. Even the referees, the VAR system, should be a little faster. But I'm happy here, I want to continue. here, I will continue here.

Like Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N'Golo Kante, Neymar and many other stars of European football have flocked to the division. In another message to players like Rashford, who are big stars still in their prime, Ronaldo also said: “If they come, big players and big names, young players, ' old players', they are welcome. If that happens, the league will improve a little. Age is not important.

Ronaldo's comments are also particularly interesting, as Rashford has been repeatedly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The left winger has previously been compared to former PSG hero Kylian Mbappe, who left the club to join Real Madrid last summer. Although Rashford's future is uncertain, he still has a contract with United worth £300,000-a-week, which does not expire until the summer of 2028.

This season, he has contributed seven goals and three assists in 24 appearances in all competitions.

Despite a strong preference for a 3-4-3 setup, Amorim favored Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho in the inside striker roles, leaving Rashford on the sidelines. After missing three matches, Rashford returned to United's squad on Monday, but Amorim opted not to play him.

Asked about his decision regarding Rashford, the former Sporting Lisbon manager clarified: “I think about the team, you think a lot about Marcus. I think about the team. I'm not making a point, I just want to win the matches. And it feels, I'm talking about the idea and the fight for relegation I want to score a point during the match No, I just want to win the match.