'The quicker it comes the better' - Marcus Rashford departure 'inevitable' as Jamie Carragher says both player and Man Utd will be better off after parting ways

Rashford's days at Old Trafford appear to be numbered after he was dropped from the squad for Sunday's derby win at Manchester City. The Red Devils are said to be eager to offload the forward in order to perform a “cultural reboot” at the club and improve standards that have been allowed to slip in recent years.

Manager Ruben Amorim has insisted his decision to drop Rashford was not for "disciplinary" reasons and has urged the forward to "fight" to get back in the team. Yet Carragher feels a parting of the ways is now inevitable and will be the best solution for player and club going forwards.

Carragher said on Sky Sports: "It's significant in that early on you see this with most managers who come in, want to send a message to the squad about the standards. I think in some ways it feels a bigger decision than it actually is because it looks like a big message he's left Marcus Rashford out. I mean, is Marcus Rashford in the best 11, really? How good is he? We're not talking about a world-renowned superstar here. I actually think we talk about Marcus Rashford too much, if I'm being totally honest. He's a good player, not a great player, he's been a really good player for Manchester United. It is time for him to leave the club, but whether there will be any takers with the wages that adds on and things like that, who knows? I just think a parting of the ways is inevitable at some stage and I think for Manchester United and Rashford the quicker that comes the better."

United are thought to be willing to offload Rashford as early as January but finding a buyer may be tough. The forward has struggled to impress at United this season, has lost his place in the England team and commands a high wage that may well put off any potential admirers. In the meantime, Rashford will hope he has done enough to be selected for United's next game against Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Thursday.