With Cristiano Ronaldo ruled out due to illness and Edinson Cavani out with an injury, the England international appeared to be the obvious choice to lead the line against Leicester City on Saturday. However, manager Michael Rangnick decided to use Bruno Fernandes in the role instead of the England international.

Rashford was watching from the bench as Fernandes squandered two excellent opportunities, which ultimately cost the Red Devils two valuable points. Fernandes said to himself after the match, "I had an opportunity to put them away."

But when the 24-year-old eventually appeared, he appeared to lack confidence and continues to struggle after returning from shoulder surgery in October.

Rio Ferdinand, a former Manchester United center-back, reacted to the decision by asking on his FIVE YouTube channel: "What must Rashford be thinking right now?"

"Perhaps there are fresh contract negotiations taking place behind the scenes, but if you're him, you're sitting there thinking 'wow, this gaffer doesn't fancy me.'" The United veteran went on to say:

When the squad would rather play without a striker than with me, how can I possibly stay here and sign this contract?' All of the signals are pointing in the wrong direction. Not that he's perfect or that he's played particularly well over the last few weeks, but it's the wrong signal to send out at the same time, I believe.

'Forget about anything else; if I'm Rashford, I'm looking at this person and thinking, 'this guy doesn't care about me.'" It's clear that he doesn't regard me as valuable if he's going to put two midfielders up front instead of me.

The Englishman's contract with Manchester United expires in 2023, and United icon Rio Ferdinand feels his apparent falling out with Rangnick will push him towards the exit door. Rashford has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in recent weeks.

For the first time this season, Rashford has only managed five goals across all competitions. He appears to be a shadow of the guy who scored 21 and 22 goals under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2019-20 and 2020-21, respectively.

Despite the fact that Rashford is a beloved son of Manchester United's supporters, who will be sad to see him depart should the youngster fail to renew his contract; however, even if the 24-year-old does, United fans will recognize that the Englishman is simply not good enough for the destination they wish to reach.

After being sacked by Manchester United, Marcus Rashford may be given one final chance to preserve his career at the club he loves.