Paul Scholes has shared that he believes 'this is the end' for Marcus Rashford at Manchester United, just hours after the player announced his plans to leave the club in an impressive interview.
A seismic few days for the 27-year-old began with events leading up to Sunday's Manchester derby, when the Carrington graduate was sensationally dropped from the squad altogether by new manager Ruben Amorim.
As reported by Mail Sport, the player was sent home from training on Monday after the club doctor diagnosed him with a fever.
But few were prepared for Tuesday's statement, when the player gave an interview suggesting his departure from the club he has played for for the past 20 years was not a matter of 'if', but 'when'.
However, his future had probably been called into question hours before by one of his club's legends.
In the wake of the derby snub, United icon Scholes suggested Amorim's move could be a turning point for the player.
“It feels like the end for him,” Scholes said on The Overlap Fan Debate, brought to you by Sky Bet, shared on Wednesday morning. 'He doesn't look happy, the boy.
'Even when he scores a goal. You think: what's wrong with him? Does he receive the right support behind the scenes?
'You don't know what's happening. But it did happen with (Erik) ten Hag, I think he was late for a meeting before the Wolves game, and again, he was left out of this squad. I don't think his choices on and off the field are quite right.'
Amorim was vague about why he dropped Rashford – and fellow academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho – but warned his players that while the exclusions would not be permanent, all their behavior and performances would be scrutinized.
“I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put on your clothes when you go to the match,” Amorim told Sky Sports. 'Everything. I make my evaluation and then I have to decide. I have a lot of players to choose from.'
Scholes was keen to add that he believes a change of scenery would be best for Rashford to recapture his best form – despite fellow pundit Jamie Carragher questioning whether the player had ever lived up to his promise.
“I hate to see local boys leave, especially when they are so talented,” Scholes continued. 'But I think the problem with Marcus is that he was so good two years ago when he scored 30 goals that season. He just never managed to reach that level again, and that's why he gets the stick.
“He produced the standard, and for the last eighteen months, two years, he was nowhere around.”
When asked about the possibility of Rashford moving to another club and succeeding, Scholes added: 'There is every chance that could happen. But he doesn't do that for us.'
Even before Rashford's interview this week, there was speculation that the club would be willing to entertain offers for their star.
Mail Sport reported at the start of this month that Man United had attached a £40 million price tag to the player.
But while Rashford's future remains uncertain, speaking to journalist Henry Winter he was adamant that any decision would be made openly and in good faith.
“For me personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford said. 'If I leave, it will be 'no hard feelings'. You won't get any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person.
'If I know a situation is already bad, I'm not going to make it worse. I've seen other players leave in the past and I don't want to be that person. When I leave, I will make a statement, and it will be mine.”
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