Rio Ferdinand has offered his view on Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United.

Rashford has been heavily linked with a move away from Old Trafford in January having not played since the 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12. Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund have been among the clubs linked with United's academy graduate.

The Manchester Evening News understands that the 27-year-old has been putting in extra hours on the training ground as he looks to force his way back into Ruben Amorim's plans. It follows an interview given by the Reds forward in December where he expressed a desire for a 'new challenge'.

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And now former United centre-back Ferdinand has offered his view on the situation after Rashford was pictured sitting in the stands during Thursday's 2-1 win over Rangers.

“I think that’s an indication of what the club wants to happen," he told TNT Sports. "I think they want to get him out. I think he needs to go to a new club with a new situation and a new environment - for him.

“It’s best for both parties - for Manchester United and for him - in that sense. He’s a player that when he burst onto the scene and he was scoring goals, I used to always remember him smiling. Looking like a young kid that can’t believe he’s here. Living the dream.

“I’ve not seen that face, I’ve not seen them emotions for far too long. I wanna see players happy. I don’t think he’s enjoyed his football here the last few years so it would be best for everybody for him to go somewhere else.

"People behind the scenes who can make those decisions, I think they’re trying their best to do that.”