Marcus Rashford has just "two transfer options" to possibly leave Manchester United this month, as speculation continues to spiral on the forward's future.

Wantaway star Rashford has attracted interest during the January transfer window after expressing his desire to depart Old Trafford in December. After he was left out of the matchday squad to face Manchester City, Rashford told journalist Henry Winter that he was "ready for a new challenge and the next steps" - hinting at a move away.

The England international has since not played a single minute of first-team football for Ruben Amorim's side. Rashford was not part of the 20-man United contingent to take on Fulham on Sunday, and that has increased speculation that is going to be on the move before the February 3 deadline.

READ MORE: Jamie Carragher warns Man Utd not to complete dream Ruben Amorim transfer as UEFA impact clear

READ MORE: I played for Man United – this is what has surprised me about Ruben Amorim

However, the 27-year-old has a strict criteria to meet, should he exit United in the next six days. He prefers a club that will compete for major trophies - and play in a competitive league - which will help him establish himself as a contender to be named in Thomas Tuchel's first England squad in March.

According to The Independent, these requirements have left Rashford with two realistic options. One of them is a loan to Juventus for the rest of the season. The other is a long-term move to Barcelona.

Barcelona have been interested in Rashford since 2018, but their financial situation makes a transfer in the winter transfer window challenging. The Catalan giants are going to have to "free up" significant salary space should they want to sign Rashford, with Andreas Christensen among those that could leave.

Rashford has shown little enthusiasm for other potential suitors such as West Ham, Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham, and he could remain at United beyond the January window. If that occurs, then that would leave Amorim a major problem to deal with, as Rashford hasn't not played since Thursday, December 12.

That was when United beat Viktoria Plzen 2-1, with Rashford missing their last 11 matches across all competitions. It's a genuine possibility that Amorim might have to reintegrate him back into his United squad - something which did not seem likely at the start of the January transfer window.

Meanwhile, United could let Rashford leave for less than their valuation - or contribute more to his £300,000 per-week wage packet to ensure that he gets his move away from United. It wouldn't be the most ideal situation, but one that would help to allow Rashford to depart his boyhood club.