Marcus Rashford has been included in Manchester United's matchday squad for Monday night's meeting against Newcastle United - potentially defying Gary Neville's verdict on his future.

The Reds' academy graduate was a serious doubt for the game against Eddie Howe's visitors with Ruben Amorim choosing not to include Rashford in his last four matchday squads. The English forward said earlier this month that he was "ready for a new challenge and the next steps" in an interview with Henry Winter.

Rashford's words indicate that he's keen to depart Old Trafford and test himself elsewhere, with speculation only likely to grow ahead of the January transfer window. But the 27-year-old could now make his first appearance for United since featuring in their 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on December 12.

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The return of Rashford will perhaps open the door for him to stay at M16, despite many pundits, including former United captain Neville, suggesting his future lies elsewhere.

"It's not really big team news anymore [Rashford not involved]," he told Sky Sports before a 3-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth on December 22.

"It's something of a norm and a pattern has developed over the last week. It was a surprise last weekend but, I think, it's getting to a point now where, if you leave him out for three games on the bounce, something is really going wrong or has gone wrong.

"It's not looking great for both Marcus' future at the club, but for Manchester United keeping him either. I suspect it's getting to that point in the journey where it looks like it's got an inevitable ending."

Rashford still has just under four years remaining on his current deal, which he signed in the summer of 2023. PSG have been heavily linked with the United forward in the past, with a previous report from The Athletic suggesting Rashford rejected a significant offer from the French club in favour of staying at Old Trafford.

However, a departure has appeared to be the likeliest outcome and potentially even as soon as January. "If you'd have said to me seven or eight days ago, then I'd have said absolutely no chance [Rashford will leave next month]," Neville added.

"As I stand here today, I think it's [likely]. One thing in the past with players at United, or any big club, when it's getting to the point where you're talking to me about it every single week, then it becomes a distraction for the manager and the focal point of every press conference.

"It does become obvious that he probably has to leave and that the club want him to leave. It will probably work for both parties."