Will he stay or will he go?

Marcus Rashford appeared to be heading for the exit at Old Trafford before Christmas - as the dust continues to settle on that bombshell interview - but recently-appointed Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is still leaving the door ajar. After 180 more minutes on the pitch, we will know for certain whether it's open or closed.

During an eye-opening sit down with Henry Winter, long-serving Academy graduate Rashford admitted that he's ready for a new challenge. That statement came after the 27-year-old - and Alejandro Garnacho - were omitted by Amorim for United's sensational comeback win over Manchester City in the Manchester derby.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag signed 15 players at Manchester United - but Ruben Amorim might sell eight

READ MORE: How Manchester United countered team news leaks and Marcus Rashford squad uncertainty

At least publicly, Amorim has kept his powder dry with Rashford, certainly when it comes to discussing his future, and his latest pre-match press conference was no different. Rashford has been a constant talking point for Amorim over the course of his last few media briefings - even though games continue to come thick and fast.

"Yeah, it's my decision," said Amorim. "He wants to play, he's trying.

"When I feel that is the right moment, I will change something," the Portuguese went on. "Until then, I will continue to think what is best for the team. I speak with him every day, not about the interview, about performance."

Having cited Rashford's form in training and matches - as well as his engagement with teammates - as the primary rationale behind his call to drop the Academy graduate against City, ex-Sporting CP head coach Amorim remains in dialogue with the 60-cap England forward about how best they can move forward.

With his words, though, come a clear and obvious moment in which United can take action.

"No, I don't think so. Not for me," added Amorim when asked - during his pre-match press conference for the game with Wolves on Boxing Day - if the Rashford saga had come as a distraction.

"Not for the other players. Because everybody is there every day during training, so they understand, and that's the key point. For the media and for the other people, I can't control that, but I am really focused and they know.

"I am so clear in my message, everybody in Carrington knows what I'm talking about, and what I want from Marcus and everybody else, so it's not a distraction for us. Maybe it is for the media, but it's not my concern."

Dropped for, perhaps, the biggest match of the season so far, Rashford effectively has two games to prove that he and Amorim have a working future together at United. Indeed, after festive fixtures against Wolves and Newcastle, United kick things off in 2025 with a Super Sunday showdown vs fiercest rivals Liverpool on January 5.

By that stage, Rashford will have had three weeks to put into practice Amorim's demands.

Crucially, the transfer market will have reopened, too, giving potential suitors across Europe a few days to firm up any interest they might have to sign the Academy graduate. If the end is nigh for Rashford - and his love affair with United - the final chapter is about to be inked in.