Marcus Rashford reality, Ruben Amorim's honest opinion and Man United escape route blocked

With the January transfer window now only a matter of days away, speculation surrounding Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United is intensifying.

The forward is a product of the club's academy and has over 420 appearances to his name. This season, he has featured 24 times across all competitions, but his recent exile from the team indicates his future may be elsewhere.

Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at the biggest talking points from the Rashford saga as all signs point to an exit sooner rather than later...

Rashford still has a contract at Old Trafford until 2028, having last signed an extension in the summer of 2023. However, things have taken a turn in recent weeks and the 27-year-old hasn't been included in a matchday squad since the Europa League triumph over Viktoria Plzen at the beginning of December.

The player's recent omissions prompted him to speak out in an interview with journalist Henry Winter, in which he admitted he is ready for a new challenge elsewhere. As Gary Neville previously put it, the writing is very much on the wall for Rashford and it's difficult to see a way back from this point.

Whether it's in January or the summer, all signs indicate Rashford's days as a United player are numbered. The Saudi Pro League, Ligue 1 and Serie A have all been highlighted as potential destinations for the England international.

Unsurprisingly, Ruben Amorim has been asked about Rashford and his future in every press conference since he was left out of the squad for the Manchester derby. There is no doubt that will continue until the situation is resolved.

The manager's most recent comments came after the Boxing Day defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League. It was a dismal night