Marcus Rashford free transfer concern emerges as Man Utd prepare for exit - EXCLUSIVE

Marcus Rashford is set to leave Man Utd. (Image: Getty)

Former Manchester United assistant Rene Meulensteen believes Marcus Rashford still has a chance to rescue his career at the club, despite a widespread expectation that he'll leave in January. United head coach Ruben Amorim has frozen Rashford out after he publicly admitted that he was "ready for a new challenge and the next steps."

Amorim excluded the 27-year-old forward from his squad in the 2-1 derby victory at Manchester City earlier this month, suggesting poor application and attitude in training as his reasoning.

A day later, Rashford revealed his desire to leave in a bombshell interview with journalist Henry Winter during an appearance at his old primary school.

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The United No. 10 hasn't featured in the three matchday squads since for defeats against Tottenham, Bournemouth and Wolves.

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Meulensteen agrees with the mainstream belief that Rashford doesn't look like a player who is enjoying his football anymore, suggesting a new challenge would benefit him.

However, he is unconvinced the England international has been placed in the shop window, considering United haven't publicly welcomed bids and won't be willing to offload him for free.

"It's a constant topic of debate about Marcus, isn't it? I think at the moment, you almost would say there's a 50-50 split in how people think about Marcus," Meulensteen told Express Sport with Instant Casino.

"A good Marcus Rashford is obviously a very good player, and he should contribute to assists and goals every time he plays.

Rene Meulensteen (right) wants the situation resolved. (Image: Getty) Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp

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"But it looks like, and I saw this under Erik ten Hag as well, it sometimes looks like he doesn't really enjoy his football.

"He hardly ever plays with a smile on his face, and you see glimpses of moments in the game where you sometimes question, 'Hey, come on, put a bit more effort in here'.

"He's not firing from all cylinders, I think. But yeah, does he need a fresh start? I don't know because I don't work with him.

"It could be something personal, that something is holding him back for whatever reason. And if that's the case, that needs to be sorted out. But you want all the players to be obviously happy with everything.

"Marcus is not a young player anymore. Obviously, he's an established player who really enters the most important years of his career, you know, the high-energy years.

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"What is he, 27? I don't think it's completely over yet because if that was the case, I think the club would have made it known and put a good price on him.

"Because you don't want Marcus Rashford to walk out the door for free, do you?"

Rashford could return to the matchday squad in tonight's Premier League clash against Newcastle United at Old Trafford due to the hosts' suspensions and injuries.

Whether he takes part in the match remains doubtful, though, and there is a chance he has played for his boyhood club for the final time.