Ruben Amorim's decision to exclude Marcus Rashford from the Manchester United squad travelling to Arsenal on Saturday confirms his future lies elsewhere. Rashford won't be in United's matchday squad for the sixth time in seven matches at the Emirates Stadium as exit speculation continues to swirl.

The exception during that rotten run was his inclusion on the bench for the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on December 30.

But Amorim called on Antony and Alejandro Garnacho among his substitutes at Old Trafford, and Bruno Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte's suspensions freed up otherwise non-existent space.

There is no space for Rashford, again, for Sunday's mammoth FA Cup third-round clash against Arsenal after he wasn't spotted with the squad descending onto the capital.

Amorim's comments on whether the 27-year-old forward could feature against the Gunners make his latest absence all the more damning.

"We will see [if Rashford will play], guys. Let's focus on the game. He is available, he is training, we will see for this game," Amorim explained in Friday's pre-match press conference.

The Portuguese head coach reportedly agrees with United chiefs that Rashford needs to leave as he sets out to shake up the club's faltering culture.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to be ready to cut his losses on the academy graduate to ensure there are no passengers in his long-term project to restore former glories at Old Trafford.

Rashford has made a habit of scoring against United's biggest rivals since bursting onto the scene as a teenage sensation in 2016.

He has accumulated a catalogue of stunning goals at Arsenal, particularly in recent seasons, and his presence would undoubtedly have boosted the visitors' chances of causing a cup shock.

United couldn't have received many more daunting tasks to start their latest FA Cup defence after lifting a 13th title in May.

FA Cup ties don't get more glamorous as this - with both clubs involved in this weekend's showdown boasting a combined 27 successes.

Such ties are often decided by moments of individual brilliance, and Amorim's current side lacks potential sources.

So the 39-year-old's persistence with Rashford's banishment has shone a bright spotlight on the bold writing that's already on the wall.

AC Milan and Barcelona have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the England international on an initial loan deal until the end of the season.

It remains to be seen whether United have the funds available to pursue a short-term replacement once Rashford inevitably heads for the exit door.