Marcus Rashford was sent home from Manchester United training with an illness a day before announcing his plans to leave the club, according to reports. The 27-year-old's efforts to fight for his place in Ruben Amorim's plans were disrupted on Monday when he couldn't join his team-mates on the grass at Carrington.
On Tuesday, a day off for United's first team, Rashford was in good enough condition to visit his old Wythenshawe primary school, Button Lane.
The Red Devils No. 10 gifted all the pupils he visited with 420 Christmas presents during a long-planned event, where he spoke to journalist Henry Winter.
As part of the interview with Winter, who has covered multiple of Rashford's charity ventures, Rashford confirmed that he was ready to walk away from Old Trafford.
"For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps," Rashford explained.
"When I leave, it's going to be 'no hard feelings'. You're not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person.
"If I know that a situation is already bad, I'm not going to make it worse. I've seen how other players have left in the past, and I don't want to be that person.
"When I leave, I'll make a statement, and it will be from me. Yes [I'll always be a Red]! 100 per cent. 100 per cent."
Stay up-to-date with the latest Man Utd news Join us on WhatsApp
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Mail Sport report that a day earlier, Rashford didn't take part in training less than 24 hours after United's incredible 2-1 victory against Manchester City.
Amorim excluded Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from his matchday squad due to poor form in matches and training, making it clear that he wasn't ready to shoulder any slackers during his rebuild.
The report claimed that Rashford followed the correct protocol by attending Carrington, where a doctor assessed him.
He was deemed to have a high temperature before being instructed to leave the training complex and recover at home.
On Thursday, United travel to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals in search of back-to-back away wins against 'Big Six' rivals.
Given that Rashford was absent from training on Monday and had a day off the following day, it seems unlikely he will return to action in north London.
It's up in the air whether the academy graduate will play for the club again after his public comments. Amorim may understandably focus on players who fit his long-term vision.
Either way, an emotional farewell is on the cards as early as next month.