Pundits Ally McCoist and Peter Crouch believe Marcus Rashford's relationship with Manchester United has run its course after the forward delivered a bombshell interview with journalist Henry Winter, in which he admitted he is ready for a new challenge.

The 27-year-old has represented the Manchester club for his entire career and is a product of their academy. He made his first team debut in a Europa League knockout game back in February 2016 and he has now amassed over 420 senior appearances across all competitions.

Rashford was dropped from Ruben Amorim's squad for the derby win over Manchester City last weekend, as well as their midweek defeat against Tottenham Hotspur in the Carabao Cup. "When I leave it's going to be 'no hard feelings'," Rashford told Winter.

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"You're not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person. For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps."

Numerous Saudi Pro League clubs, as well as Paris Saint-Germain, have since emerged as potential destinations for Rashford should he depart his boyhood club. For McCoist, speaking to TNT Sports over the weekend, a separation could be best for both United and Rashford.

"I’m surprised he hasn’t had the conversation – and it doesn’t look like he has – with his new manager (Ruben Amorim) beforehand," the pundit said. "I think he looked a little bit surprised when he heard the news.

"I look at the relationship and it just looks like it’s run its course. It happens. It happens with footballers; it happens in life.

"It’s now at the stage it probably suits both parties that they shake hands, say thank you very much for your service and he goes and gets on with his career. Because what is he, 27? He’s got his whole career ahead of him."

Former Liverpool and Spurs striker, Crouch, echoed a similar sentiment as he believes Rashford still has his best years ahead of him, but will need an arm round the shoulder wherever he goes next.

"I played, not to the level Marcus is at at the moment, until I was 38. He’s a player with so much talent," Crouch said. "He just needs a platform maybe where people put an arm around him and he’s loved again and can perform to the ability we know he’s got.

"I found it all strange. The fact that he was allowed to do this rogue interview. The comments didn’t help matters.

"There have been rumblings about it for a long time. For all concerned I think it is the best time to move on."