The potential departure of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford would be ‘the most surprising’ this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Several first-team players are expected to leave Old Trafford when the market reopens for business as incoming manager Erik ten Hag looks to shape the squad in his image.

What is the latest news involving Man Utd?

It’s been a desperately poor campaign for United, who are set to miss out on the Champions League places and end the season without any silverware once again.

Paul Pogba, Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard and Edinson Cavani are all set to depart on free transfers when their current contracts expire, while Nemanja Matic has announced he will also seek a new challenge.

Meanwhile, ESPN have claimed that United’s hierarchy are willing to listen to offers for Eric Bailly, Phil Jones, Anthony Martial, Alex Telles and Aaron Wan-Bissaka after failing to impress in recent times.

But Rashford’s long-term future has also been called into question of late after struggling for form and game time under the tutelage of interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

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According to The Guardian, the England international ‘is considering his future’ due to the lack of regular opportunities he’s received in the second half of 2021/22, although he hopes the situation can be resolved.

Rashford’s contract is due to expire in the summer of 2023, but United do have the option to extend his stay by a further 12 months, leaving them in a strong position around the negotiating table.

What has Jones said about Rashford?

Jones has revealed that Rashford is ‘desperate’ to prove he can become a key player for United once again and that his exit would be the most shocking of all the players linked to the exit door.

He told GiveMeSport: “He’s desperate to do that (prove he has a future at the club), but he needs to do it.

“On top of that, we genuinely will be looking at around eight Manchester United players leaving. So, it's quite significant, but I think Marcus Rashford, if he actually left, would be the most surprising.”

How poorly has Rashford been playing?

Rashford, who is valued at £63m by Transfermarkt, is on course to record his lowest goals and assists tally for a single season across all competitions since he made his senior debut in 2015/16.

The 24-year-old has racked up just seven goal contributions across his 32 appearances, highlighting his lack of productivity in the final third of the pitch.

He may have his work cut out convincing Ten Hag of his credentials, although Rashford’s previous exploits for United should not be forgotten quickly.