Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford could become Cristiano Ronaldo's replacement at Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The England international has a history of playing through the middle and could step into Ronaldo's footsteps after he expressed his desire to leave the Red Devils less than 12 months after he re-signed.

What's the latest news involving Rashford and Ronaldo?

According to The Times, the 37-year-old has asked to leave United following their failure to qualify for the Champions League, although only if the club receive a 'satisfactory' offer for his services.

GiveMeSport Transfer Update With Dean Jones

Ronaldo reckons he has three of four years left playing at the top level and wants to finish his career in Europe's elite competition, having done so in each of the last 19 seasons for United, Real Madrid and Juventus.

Chelsea are interested in signing the legendary frontman, who will have to be replaced in some capacity if he does get his wish to leave United.

And Jones reckons that Rashford could become an option for Erik ten Hag, with the 24-year-old the top scorer at the club behind Ronaldo with 93 goals for the Red Devils.

What did Jones say about Rashford?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "Marcus Rashford might be able to solve a problem for them. It's not ideal, it's far from ideal, he didn't have a good season on the wing, but how do you restore confidence in a player? You get them scoring goals. What if Rashford can become a player in this team that becomes an out and out goalscorer?"

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What is Rashford's record when playing up front?

Rashford might have endured the toughest season of his career in 2021-2022 when he scored just five goals in 31 appearances in all competitions, although much of those came playing out wide.

As a number nine, Rashford has a reasonably impressive record over the years having scored 42 goals and laid on 20 assists in 121 games.

Rashford was playing down the middle when he broke onto the scene and marked his Europa League and Premier League debuts with braces against FC Midtjylland and Arsenal, and with a decent goalscoring return when central, he could yet solve a potentially huge issue for Erik ten Hag and resurrect his own career in the process.