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 his intention to leave Manchester United for a ‘new challenge’.

It has been a turbulent few days for Rashford, who after being left out of United’s 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 during a visit to his former school on Tuesday that he is ‘ready for the next steps’ in his career after 20 years at the club.

Rashford has underperformed tremendously since signing a new £375,000-a-week contract last year, making him the club’s highest-paid player. He believes he needs a move away from Old Trafford to rediscover his best form.

Newly appointed United chief Amorim refuted Rashford’s claim by insisting he wants to keep the winger for the future, but Mail Sport previously revealed the club would be willing to sanction a sale for a fee of around £40 million.

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

The Spanish star is believed to be seen by the United star as his preferred destination, but no club has yet made a formal approach to the 13-time Premier League champions for his services.

Real Madrid or Barcelona would likely be among the top choices for the England international given their backgrounds in European football, but it is difficult to imagine either club approving a deal for a player who has made just 15 appearances since the start of last season scored in all competitions.

Atletico Madrid could be another potential destination as the Diego Simeone-coached team recruited fellow Englishman Conor Gallagher from Chelsea earlier this summer.

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

Arsenal need a left winger with Gabriel Martinelli struggling to match the goalscoring form that Bukayo Saka offers to the title challenger on the other flank, while Rashford is well suited.

Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Rashford – and Alejandro Garnacho – will return to the United squad for Thursday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final against Tottenham.

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

‘If they train well, I have to make a choice. We’ll see at the end of the training. I expect the best from every player every day, so we’ll see after training.

‘My focus is to prepare all players as best as possible for every match. There is no way that at these types of clubs it is just Tottenham and let’s concentrate on this match.’