Ruthless Man Utd message as Rashford looks for an out after brutal exclusion

Marcus Rashford's Old Trafford career appears set to come to a close next year after two decades at Manchester United.

And the signs were there last season when Rashford was reportedly made available for transfer. It marked the beginning of a significant overhaul at United, with years of underwhelming performances and subpar recruitment since Sir Alex Ferguson's 2013 departure resulting in a surplus of underperforming talent.

Rashford, 27, remains under contract until 2028, but his recent admission that he's "ready for a new challenge" suggests an exit is all but certain. Having joined United at the age of seven, Rashford's relationship with the club appears to have taken a hit following a decline in form over recent seasons.

A report by The Telegraph (via the Daily Express) in April 2024 suggested United were open to offers for almost all of their players during the summer transfer window, with only three exceptions - but Rashford wasn't among them. Kobbie Mainoo, Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho were the trio deemed off-limits, but that number may have decreased following accusations of dressing room leaks.

Garnacho, 20, has faced allegations as the purported source of leaking United team news to the public. The Argentina international was omitted from Sunday's 2-1 derby win over Manchester City and is said to be furious along with Amad after being accused of leaking team news.

Rashford - who is United's second-highest earner on £300,000 a week - was also notably absent from Sunday's squad and trained at United's Carrington base just hours before the trip to City. The decision by Ruben Amorim to sideline the forward is the most recent sign that he may be deemed surplus to requirements.

Rashford initially showed promise under Amorim, netting three goals in the Portuguese manager's first two Premier League matches at the helm. Despite scoring seven goals in all competitions this season - just one shy of last season's total - some fans have criticised him for squandering chances.

When rumours first surfaced that Rashford might be on the chopping block at United after the club sent a brutal message to their squad by putting almost everyone up for grabs, it was suggested a move would be more likely if the forward were up for leaving. And it seems inevitable those plans will be set in motion for a 2025 departure now that he has publicly expressed his willingness to leave.

United were initially willing to back Rashford despite the reports in the summer but his inconsistent form and admission he's keen to leave cannot be ignored.

Rashford has scored 138 goals and provided 63 assists in 426 appearances for United thus far, bagging two FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League. However, with both parties seemingly ready for change, United appear poised to seize the opportunity and test the transfer market by cashing in on their asset.