Manchester United may soon need to start considering replacements for Marcus Rashford after he indicated a desire to embark on a fresh challenge. The 27-year-old looked primed for a prominent role under Ruben Amorim after netting a brace against Everton, but that may no longer be the case.

For the Premier League clash against huge rivals Manchester City, Rashford was not included in the matchday squad with Alejandro Garnacho also absent. Following that, the forward dropped a huge hint on his future when speaking with journalist Henry Winter.

In reply to being asked whether he would stay or leave Old Trafford, he said: “For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps." Under 24 hours after those comments were made public, Amorim was questioned on Rashford's future with it appearing though he would actually like him to stay.

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"No, [I haven't spoken to Rashford] yet," he admitted in his pre-Tottenham press conference. "It was yesterday, I gave the day off to the lads, so he’s our player and he’s ready for the next game.

"I spoke with a lot of players individually and during training. What I want is to take the best stuff of Marcus Rashford as the player so I don’t talk about the future, I just talk about the present.

"We are better with Marcus Rashford, that is simple and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past. "Of course (I would be happy to keep him), because this kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent. He just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus."

With Amad shining in his absence, Rashford will have likely gone down in the pecking order if he does remain at the club. Based on that and a number of other reasons, a summer departure does seem likely with United then potentially looking to sign a replacement.

Matheus Cunha and Viktor Gyokeres are just a few options to have been linked but there could be a wildcard signing Amorim might push to make instead. Inter star Marcus Thuram has emerged of interest to Barcelona but it has been claimed by Mundo Deportivo that the Spanish club cannot afford the £68million (€80m) asking price.

With Rashford's contract not up until 2028, United could demand a hefty fee to allow his permanent departure which could allow them to afford Thuram. The France international has spent the last 18 months in Italy and has scored 12 goals this season while also picking up six assists.