Manchester United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is preparing to swing the axe at Old Trafford - and it may spell the end for both Erik ten Hag and Marcus Rashford.
As United’s new top brass bid to change the culture of a club who have failed to truly challenge for the Premier League title in over a decade, being left firmly in the rear view of bitter rivals Liverpool and Manchester City in the process, they are preparing to ruthlessly cut the fat to get back to the top.
And that will see Ratcliffe and the new members of United’s board have the final say on whether to part ways with one, the other, or both this summer.
England forward Rashford has endured a difficult season, scoring just five goals in 31 games for Ten Hag’s under-performing side, after enjoying a 30-goal campaign last term. Now the 26-year-old’s long-term future at Old Trafford is now in serious question, with Rashford disillusioned under Ten Hag and the pair’s relationship having soured.
Twice this season Ten Hag has felt it necessary to discipline Rashford. Firstly, after celebrating his birthday in Manchester city centre last October immediately after the 3-0 derby loss to Manchester City - a decision labelled "unacceptable" by Ten Hag - and then with his trip to Belfast last month.
United’s under-fire boss was particularly unhappy with the Belfast trip, and how the problem was exacerbated with United initially being told that footage of Rashford out partying on social media had happened 24 hours earlier than it did. Rashford called in sick for training on January 26 - just 48 hours before the FA Cup fourth round fixture at Newport County - but only arrived home that morning after getting a private plane back to Manchester.
Ten Hag was furious and while he has continued to be a regular since - and the Dutchman has declared publicly that the issue has been put behind them - there is a growing acceptance among the club’s top brass that one, or both, must go this summer.
Rashford has a potential suitor in Paris Saint-Germain, as they look to replace Kylian Mbappe ahead of his move to Real Madrid. He is also United's most saleable asset, particularly when it comes to ensuring the club toe the line with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, giving themselves as much breathing room as possible on that front this summer while trying to strengthen by bringing in players.
As such, questions have been asked over whether a parting of the ways would be best for both United and the player, after another disappointing campaign.
But there is also an acknowledgment that Rashford remains United’s biggest marquee player, the one star who, when on top form, is most coveted by the club’s elite rivals. One source has told Mirror Football that of all the United players, it is he whom Pep Guardiola believes would thrive most at City.
If Rashford is a conundrum, then Ten Hag’s situation appears to be increasingly cut and dried.
The Dutchman insists he does not need public backing from Ratcliffe: “I'm here, I'm under contract for three seasons, so I don't care,” was his response ahead of the FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest. He also knows he isn't going to get it.
The United boss is effectively on trial ahead of the summer and needs a big end to the season. The FA Cup quarter-final against Liverpool, at Old Trafford, will be important, as will the attempt to overhaul Aston Villa and Tottenham in the race for Champions League places.
But there is also an expectation that even if he can secure a spot back in Europe’s premier club competition it may not be enough, and that Ratcliffe and co will bring in their own man.
Ratcliffe, Sir Dave Brailsford and incoming CEO Omar Berrada - who has already starting meeting with club officials while on gardening leave from the City Football Group - want to send a message that mediocrity will no longer be tolerated as they set out on a major revamp of the club's sporting operation.
Parting ways with the manager and his under-performing forward may be the first step.