WANTAWAY Manchester United star Marcus Rashford grinned as he enjoyed lunch with a pal.
The England forward was spotted dining at the upmarket Cibo Restaurant in Hale Village just one day after warming the bench in his side’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.
Rashford was recalled to Ruben Amorim’s match-day squad for the first time in five games after being axed for the 2-1 derby win at Manchester City.
But the ace did not see any action on the pitch despite United crashing to their sixth defeat in 11 games under Amorim.
The result also marked their fourth defeat on the bounce ahead of trips to Liverpool and Arsenal.
Yet Rashford appeared to take the latest snub in his stride as he joined teammate Tyrell Malacia — another player who has lost his spot under Amorim — and pals for lunch on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old wore a hooded jacket as he protected himself from the cold while entering and leaving the restaurant.
Rashford did not seem to be fazed by doubts over his future either as he flashed a smile and shared a laugh with friends.
It now remains to be seen whether he remains at United by the end of the January transfer window after declaring he is ready for a “new challenge.”
Rashford left his club stunned with the bold admission following his axe from December’s derby win.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
He said: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.
“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. It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.
“It’s disappointing but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks.
“What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it? Or do my best the next time I’m available?”
