From a club perspective, that ill-fated trip to Belfast in January last year, which Rashford extended without permission, visited nightspots on two consecutive nights and was then late for training, is viewed as a lack of commitment that subsequent performances on the pitch did little to dispel.

The idea has been agreed to by United and although it is not yet a done deal, talks between all parties are now at the final stages.

For some time now, being a Manchester United fan has felt like living on a never-ending rollercoaster ride. Every summer brings promises, new names and, at the same time, painful departures, and this summer is no different.