Ruben Amorim may reveal a Man Utd exit at Arsenal. (Image: Getty)
When the clock strikes 1:45pm on Sunday – and Arsenal and announce their teams for a mouth-watering FA Cup third-round clash – Marcus Rashford’s future will be crystal clear. In excluding the 27-year-old forward from his matchday squad for the sixth time in seven matches, will confirm his fate.
Rashford hasn’t played a single minute for United since being hauled off with the visitors 1-0 down at Viktoria Plzen.
His replacement that cold night in Czechia, , scored twice to deliver a crucial Europa League win. It was just one of a series of bad days for United’s No. 10 this season.
The minority of supporters who haven’t yet given up on Rashford received hope when he arrived at Old Trafford for the final match of 2024 – a 2-0 defeat to United.
But Amorim’s decision to task £86million flop Antony and the out-of-favour Alejandro Garnacho with chasing the lead while ignoring Rashford spoke volumes.
The England international’s next destination has been at the tip of many a tongue this month. He seems destined to finally step out of the comfort of his home, Manchester.
AC Milan have been most heavily linked, although reports in Spain suggest Barcelona are also major players in the race for an initial loan deal.
AS Monaco, Borussia Dortmund, Juventus, and West Ham United have, too, been framed in what has been nothing short of a classic transfer merry-go-round.
Marcus Rashford’s exit is already written on the wall. (Image: Getty)
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Rashford could yet remain under Amorim’s hand in M16. His mammoth £325,000-a-week salary will prove to be a hurdle for any suitor eyeing his services.
However, another snub at the Emirates Stadium this weekend would scrub off the writing that’s already on the wall and make it 10 times bigger.
There are a combined 27 FA Cup trophies behind each of these famous clubs. Ties in this competition don’t get bigger.
If United are to cause a shock and dump out with a rare victory in the capital, best believe Amorim will need his most dangerous players on form.
On his day, Rashford is exactly that. His record in big games since bursting onto the scene as a teenager in 2016 is better than anyone’s in the visitors’ dressing room.
He has particularly made a habit of scoring eye-catching goals at the Emirates in recent years, special strikes that could well decide a cup tie.
But the situation has descended into such despair that it would be a bigger shock to see Rashford in the starting line-up than it would be if he didn’t travel at all.
Amorim continued to remain coy during his preview of Sunday’s heavyweight clash, maintaining his focus on turning United’s results around.
“We will see [what happens with Rashford]. Let’s focus on the game. We will see the selection for the game,” the Red Devils head coach told reporters at Carrington.
However, by leaving Rashford out against the Gunners, Amorim would be revealing everything there is left to know.