Marcus Rashford Decision Time: Another PL Club Enter Race Amid Wayne Rooney Telling Man United Star To Leave

Marcus Rashford's Manchester United future is still in doubt
Marcus Rashford's Manchester United future is still in doubt | Ben Roberts Photo/GettyImages

The clock is ticking down on this winter's transfer window and with that so too is the possibility of Marcus Rashford leaving Manchester United before next summer. The English forward hasn't made an appearance for the Red Devils since he was dropped by Ruben Amorim for a 2-1 win over Manchester City in mid-December.

Rashford has remained quiet amid Amorim making clear that he's not been up to standards behind-closed-doors. There's been speculation that the pair are no longer talking which paints the picture of just how volatile the situation has become.

Aston Villa are the latest club to potentially give Rashford a lifeline and an escape from his recent troubles at Carrington. The Athletic reports that the Villans are considering making a move for the 27-year-old following Jhon Duran's move to Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League.

A Decision Must Be Made Over Marcus Rashford Or It Risks Getting Uglier

Unai Emery
Unai Emery thinks he can work his charm on Marcus Rashford | Dan Istitene/GettyImages

Villa boss Unai Emery has a knack for working with talent that aren't at their best and getting them to fire on all cylinders. That's not to say Amorim doesn't have the coaching credentials to do so but it looks as though he's given up on the 60-cap England international.

Emery is said to believe he can help Rashford re-find form as he hits a crossroads in his career. The financial aspect of a potential deal is a problem because his £325,000 per week wages would have to be taken on by the Premier League club and it's largely why Barcelona, his preferred destination, haven't been able to secure a deal.

If United allow Rashford to head to Villa then he must agree to do so if he wants to get his career back on track. A potential loan could do him the world of good and maybe give him the chance to show Amorim that he does have a desire to wear the Red Devils badge.

Wayne Rooney: I've told Rashford to leave Man United

Marcus Rashford, Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney and Marcus Rashford were teammates | Clive Brunskill/GettyImages

Wayne Rooney was in similar situations during his legendary Manchester United career when some questioned his commitment to the club. He pushed to leave Old Trafford on two occasions and one of those was because he was hesitant over the Red Devils' vision for the future.

The club's all-time appearance maker stayed put and closed out his career as one of the best players in Premier League history. Sir Alex Ferguson continued to use him despite his admission of wanting to seek a new challenge.

That hasn't been the case for Rashford who publicly told the media that he wanted to 'try a new challenge'. This has been met with months out of action as Amorim has made clear you need to be 100% commited to the cause.

Rooney gave his thoughts on Rashford's situation on the latest episode of the Stick to Football Podcast:

"I've spoken to Marcus a couple of times and I've given him my thoughts and feelings that he needs to leave the football club. Because whatever is going on in his life and at Manchester United, he's not the same."

Rashford has over three years left on his contract with United but speculation grows over a potential exit before Monday's deadline day. He has won the FA Cup and the League Cup since debuting in February 2016, scoring 138 goals and providing 63 assists in 426 games.