RUBEN AMORIM has issued his most ominous assessment yet on Marcus Rashford's future.
Amorim sidelined the England striker again as crisis-hit Manchester United fell 2-0 to Wolves on a scorching Boxing Day.
The 27-year-old Mancunian revealed he was ready for a “new challenge” after being left out of the squad for the Manchester Derby and has now been ruled out of the next three games.
Amorim appeared to make an exit from Old Trafford even more likely for the one-club man given his assessment of the situation after Thursday's defeat to Molineux.
Asked if Rashford had “shown him something different” since being left out, the Portugal boss said: “If he's not there… you can make a decision.”
The 10-man Red Devils dropped to 14th place after conceding straight from a corner for the second time in eight days in their final nightmare.
Amorim added: “It's always the same reason.
“We have to be the same professionals, the same guys, win or lose.
“If I lose, I have to be stronger. I will continue with my idea until the end.”
Ahead of the match, Amorim confirmed that whatever happens in the long term, Rashford is now keen to regain his place at struggling United.
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He emphasized: “It is my decision. He wants to play. He tries. Yes, it's my decision, my decision alone.
“No, I spoke to many players individually during training, so I try to do things my way. And it's the only way I know.
“If I don't, I'll lose myself and I won't lose myself. I know what I'm doing.”
Rashford appears to have accepted that he may have to move on to revive his career.
He told journalist Henry Winter: “For me personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps.”
But he stressed: “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.”
However, no speculation stopped Rashford from sharing a cheerful family photo as he enjoyed a Christmas Eve meal.
Fans responded positively to what seemed like a piece of cake from a cafe or restaurant – with menus on the table for the 18 people pictured.
Rashford added the words: “Family time – Merry Christmas everyone 🎄.”
Comments from supporters included: “We love you Rashy ❤️.” and “Merry Christmas GOAT ❤️.”
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