Wantaway Man Utd star Marcus Rashford grins as he enjoys lunch with team-mate day after warming bench in Newcastle loss

WANTAWAY Manchester United star Marcus Rashford grinned as he enjoyed lunch with a friend.

The England forward was spotted dining at the chic Cibo Restaurant in Hale Village, just one day after warming the bench in his side's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.

Rashford was recalled to Ruben Amorim's matchday squad for the first time in five games after being dropped for the 2-1 derby win over Manchester City.

But the top man did not see action on the pitch despite United crashing out to their sixth defeat in 11 games under Amorim.

The result also marked their fourth defeat during the match ahead of trips to Liverpool and Arsenal.

Yet Rashford appeared to take the latest criticism in his stride as he joined teammate Tyrell Malacia – another player who has lost his place under Amorim – and friends for lunch on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old wore a hooded jacket to protect himself from the cold when entering and leaving the restaurant.

Rashford also appeared unfazed by doubts about his future as he smiled and laughed with friends.

It now remains to be seen whether he will remain at United towards the end of the January transfer window, having declared he is ready for a 'new challenge'.

Rashford left his club stunned with the bold admission following his axe following December's derby win.

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He said: “For me personally, I think I am ready for a new challenge and the next steps.

“If I leave, there 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. It's disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it happened, we won the game, so let's move on.

“It's disappointing, but I'm also someone who, as I get older, can deal with setbacks.

“What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it? Or do my best the next time I'm available?”