Rashford told Man Utd relationship has 'run its course' as January exit lined up

Ally McCoist believes Marcus Rashford's time at Manchester United is up, suggesting his relationship with new boss Ruben Amorim has already "run its course".Rashford's future is currently unclear, with the forward admitting he is "ready for a new challenge" after Amorim left him out of the squad for United's last two games against Manchester City and Tottenham.

Amorim has insisted he wants to keep Rashford, but appeared surprised by the player's decision to speak out publicly rather than talking to him first. When asked about Rashford's comments, Amorim said: "If this was me, probably I will speak with the manager.

"It's hard to explain to you guys what I am going to do (when I speak to him). I am a little bit emotional (as a person), so in the moment I will understand what to do. I am preparing the game and then we will see. Let's focus on the team not individual players. That's it."

And McCoist believes it would be best for both Rashford and United if he were to depart the club in January. "I'm surprised he hasn't had the conversation – and it doesn't look like he has – with his new manager beforehand," McCoist told TNT Sports.

"I think he looked a little bit surprised when he heard the news. I look at the relationship and it just looks like it's run its course. It happens. It happens with footballers; it happens in life.

"It's now at the stage it probably suits both parties that they shake hands, say thank you very much for your service and he goes and gets on with his career. Because what is he, 27? He's got his whole career ahead of him."

Former Liverpool and Tottenham striker Peter Crouch agreed with McCoist's assessment, pointing out that he was still playing in the Premier League when he announced his retirement at the age of 38. "I played, not to the level Marcus is at at the moment, until I was 38," Crouch said.

"He's a player with so much talent. He just needs a platform maybe where people put an arm around him and he's loved again and can perform to the ability we know he's got. I found it all strange. The fact that he was allowed to do this rogue interview.

"Man Utd probably didn't know it was happening. When you're left out of the squad completely and then all of a sudden, you're doing an interview, I thought it was strange timing. The comments didn't help matters. There have been rumblings about it for a long time. For all concerned I think it is the best time to move on."