A Manchester United exit looks all but inevitable for Marcus Rashford and could well materialise during the January transfer window.
The writing has been on the wall since the 27-year-old revealed he was "ready for a new challenge" in an interview with Henry Winter before Christmas. And Ruben Amorim's reaction has only reinforced the belief Rashford is on his way out of Old Trafford.
The likes of AC Milan, Borussia Dortmund and West Ham have shown their interest in the player, who could leave United on loan this month. However, it's understood the Red Devils would prefer a permanent split if they were to part ways with their star, who hasn't featured in any of United's last six games.
After two decades with his boyhood club, it will be an emotional farewell when the England forward eventually does leave United. Mirror Football has explored the path that led Rashford to his current predicament, including falling out with not one but two of his bosses.
Rashford in tears
Questions regarding Rashford's commitment and whether the club means as much to him as it once did have been asked over the past year. The homegrown product burst onto the senior scene as a teenager in early 2016 and has experienced peaks and troughs in form over the years.
So it stands to reason that Rashford was more emotional than most following United's FA Cup triumph over Manchester City last term. After scoring a career-high 30 goals in all competitions the previous campaign, his contribution dropped off massively despite clinching major silverware.
But he nonetheless cut a candid figure online, uploading a picture of himself in tears reacting to the FA Cup success. Rashford applauded the fans in the image, which was captioned: "People want to know what Man United means to me!"
Having joined the club at the age of seven, Rashford is bound to be affected by the prospect of leaving the only club he's ever known. That's despite the fact fans and bosses alike may not agree with all his actions during what's been a difficult period for all connected to the club.
Through all that, the player has insisted his dedication to the club and its cause has been unwavering. And it was clear in the moments after their biggest win under Erik ten Hag just how much Rashford truly wants the best for United.
Manager clash
But it wasn't smiles and silverware under Ten Hag's tutelage. In fact, the Dutchman was tasked with guiding United through Rashford's most unruly moments as he appeared to go through a period of rebellion amid the struggle for on-field results.
Ten Hag first notably dropped Rashford in November 2023 as punishment for throwing a birthday party following a 3-0 derby loss at home to Manchester City. But things worsened in 2024 when he missed an FA Cup clash with Newport County after allegedly going out on the town in Belfast.
Rashford purportedly went out drinking for 12 hours in Northern Ireland before falling into bed at 3am, calling in sick for training and missing the FA Cup fixture days later. It's understood he was fined two weeks' wages, and the club put out a statement saying the situation was "dealt with as an internal disciplinary matter".
Ten Hag showed his fury by omitting Rashford from his squad, though it wasn't long before he was back with the group. United legend Gary Neville commented at the time: "I know he's going through a dip in form at this moment in time, but it's happened twice and it can sometimes become your personality if you're not careful."
Amorim snub
The first signs were already apparent that Amorim wasn't content with Rashford prior to the player announcing he was ready to move on. Rashford made those comments just days after being left out of United's squad for a derby triumph over Manchester City, which could have been the final spark to inspire his outburst.
There's cause to argue Amorim would be best of using Rashford while he can in order to get the most out of his team, internal conflict or not. But the manager appeared to make his feelings clear after Rashford failed to make it off the bench during a 2-0 defeat at home to Newcastle last month.
"I think about the team. You think a lot about Marcus," he told reporters, who asked about the forward's absence despite being in the matchday squad. "I think about the team. When I’m there I’m not making a point. I just want to win the game."
It spoke volumes that Rashford was not used by the boss despite United's desperate position, not just in that game but in general as they sit 13th in the Premier League. Amorim has shown a reluctance to speak about Rashford's situation, but there's very little about their relationship that seems positive right now.