RUBEN AMORIM has delivered his most ominous verdict yet on Marcus Rashford's future.
Amorim sidelined the England striker yet again as crisis-hit Manchester United slumped 2-0 at Wolves on a bruising Boxing Day.
The 27-year-old Mancunian revealed that he was ready for a "new challenge" after not being included in the squad for the Manchester Derby and has now been left out of the following three matches.
Amorim appeared to make an Old Trafford exit even likelier for the one-club man with his assessment of the situation following Thursday's defeat at Molineux.
Asked if Rashford had "shown him anything different" since being left out, the Portuguese boss said: “If he's not here… you can make your mind (up)."
The 10-man Red Devils dropped to 14th after their latest set-piece nightmare saw them concede directly from a corner for the second time in eight days.
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Amorim added: “It's always the same reason.
"We have to be same professionals, same guys, winning or losing.
"Losing, I have to be stronger. I will continue with my idea until the end”.
Before the game Amorim confirmed that, whatever happens in the long term, Rashford is keen for now to regain his place at struggling United.
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He stressed: "It's my decision. He wants to play. He is trying. Yes, it's my decision, only my decision.
"No, I spoke with a lot of players individually during training so I'm trying to do things my way. And it's the only way I know.
"If I don't do that, I will lose myself and I will not lose myself. I know what I am doing."
Rashford appears to have accepted he might have to move on to rejuvenate his career.
He told journalist Henry Winter: "For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps."
But he stressed: "When I leave it's going to be ‘no hard feelings’.
"You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.
"If I know that a situation is already bad I'm not going to make it worse.
"I've seen how other players have left in the past and I don't want to be that person.
"When I leave, I'll make a statement, and it will be from me."
However, none of the speculation stopped Rashford sharing a joyful family photo as he enjoyed a Christmas Eve meal.
Fans reacted positively to what appeared to be a snap from a pub or restaurant - with menus on the table for the 18 people pictured.
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Rashford added the words: "Family time - Happy Christmas everyone 🎄."
Replies from supporters included: "We love you Rashy ❤️." and "Merry Christmas GOAT ❤️."