Marcus Rashford’s ‘preferred next destination’ as the Man United star outlines ambition to leave Old Trafford for a ‘new challenge’

Marcus Rashford’s dream destination has reportedly been revealed after the Englishman announced he wants to leave Manchester United for a ‘new challenge’.

It’s been a turbulent few days for Rashford who upon being left out of United’s matchday squad for Sunday’s derby win against Manchester City has outlined his future ambitions.

The 27-year-old shocked club supporters and Amorim when he declared in a bombshell interview upon visiting his former school on Tuesday that he is ‘ready for the next steps’ in his career after two decades at the club.

Rashford has massively undelivered since signing a fresh £375,000-per-week contract last year that made him the club’s highest-paid player and believes he needs a move away from Old Trafford to rediscover his best form.

Newly-appointed United chief Amorim countered Rashford’s exit claim by insisting he wants to keep the winger for the future, but Mail Sport have previously revealed the club would be willing to sanction a sale for a fee in the region of £40m.

Now, Rashford’s future could lie away from England after his dream destination was revealed to be with Spain with the player keen to secure a move to LaLiga, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

The Spanish top-flight is believed to be viewed by the United star as his preferred destination but no club is yet to make a formal approach to the 13-time Premier League champions for his services.

Real Madrid or Barcelona would likely be amongst the England international’s top picks given their pedigree in European football, but it is difficult to see either club sanctioning a deal for a player who has scored just 15 times in all competitions since the start of last season.

Atletico Madrid could be another potential destination with the Diego Simeone-coached team previously recruiting fellow Englishman Conor Gallagher from Chelsea in the summer.

There is also expected to be Premier League interest with Arsenal previously linked to Rashford and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta expected to spend in the upcoming January transfer window.

Arsenal are in need of a left-winger with Gabriel Martinelli struggling to match the goalscoring form that Bukayo Saka offers the title challenger on the opposite flank with Rashford well-suited. 

Meanwhile, it is yet to be seen whether Rashford – and Alejandro Garnacho – will return to United’s team for Thursday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final trip to face Tottenham.

Commenting on the pairs midweek playing prospects, Amorim said: ‘We have one more training, but it’s the same situation of all the other players.

‘If they train well then I have to make a choice. We will see at the end of training. I expect the best of each player every day so we will see after training.

‘My focus is to have all the players in the best that they can be to prepare for each game. There is no if at this kind of club, it is just Tottenham and let’s focus on this game.’