The blockbuster Man United and Borussia Dortmund swap deal that could smash January transfer window

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has already made his fair share of eye-catching decisions since replacing Erik ten Hag in the dugout at Old Trafford.

There has been a tactical adjustment to the familiar 3-4-3 system as was the norm at Sporting, an incredible surge of form from Amad Diallo and a mix of disastrous results such as the defeats to Wolves and Bournemouth along with memorable victories over Arsenal in the cup, Manchester City in the league and the encouraging 2-2 draw against runaway leaders Liverpool.

In truth, Amorim is only just getting his foot through the door at Old Trafford, but already finds himself in a hurry to try and rejuvenate Manchester United’s lacklustre season as the spotlight focuses in on his team and their transfer activity.

The imminent signing of young full-back Diego Leon is just one example of Amorim making plans for the future at Old Trafford, but one player that looks increasingly destined to be left behind in the past appears to be out-of-favour winger and former fan favourite Marcus Rashford.

The 27-year-old, who is somehow still the club’s second joint leading scorer this season, albeit with just four goals, has been frozen out of the squad entirely for seven of the last eight matches and was made to sit on the bench for the full 90 in the Newcastle defeat, despite his side being two goals down.

Rashford appears to have already played his last game at Manchester United, in a sad ending to what has been an incredible 20-year association with his boyhood club.

The England international’s comments at least would suggest that is the case, he told Henry Winter at the end of December: "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'. 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."

While Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp added that it’s hard to see any way back for the Manchester United frontman, he explained: "Somehow, he's got to fall in love with football again. You have to love the game. You're incredibly lucky to be playing at this level. It's actually a sad situation to see because there's no doubt he's got talent, but somehow he's got to fall back in love with the game and enjoy it because, at the moment, it looks like he's playing football under duress."

German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund, who took advantage of a very similar situation with Jadon Sancho 12 months ago, are understood to be the front-runners to try and entice Rashford to Signal Iduna Park, but could Manchester United also try and benefit from the situation?

The stunning Marcus Rashford swap deal Man Utd could look to strike

When Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe arrived on the scene nearly 12 months ago he stated that the club’s new ambition would be to try and sign the next Kylian Mbappe rather than trying to spend big on household names.

This would suggest that Ruben Amorim has been appointed with a view to signing young and hungry prospects and harnessing their full potential as he made a fine habit of doing in the Portuguese capital.

Inside reports from Manchester World claim Amorim will be forced to sell to buy this winter, which is probably a strong reason for Marcus Rashford’s sudden fall from grace at Old Trafford and the club’s urge to do business.

However, Amorim will want to ensure the club can acquire a suitable replacement on lower wages if the England international is to depart. Diallo is already thriving in the right-wing position after Rashford’s absence but uncertainty surrounding Alejandro Garnacho amid Napoli interest and Antony’s poor form since joining, suggests that another recruit is needed on the flanks.

This has led to claims from several outlets including Team Talk, which suggest that the Red Devils could make a move for Borussia Dortmund prodigy Jamie Gittens.

The talented England Under-21 international is believed to be valued at around £42m and has been the subject of strong interest from several clubs in the Premier League including Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

Blessed with exceptional speed, skill, agility, goals and an exceptional eye for a pass, former Manchester City academy star Gittens has been the standout performer for an underwhelming Borussia Dortmund side, who despite doing well in Europe, currently find themselves languishing in 10th position in the Bundesliga.

Gittens, who was used sparingly in the team’s road to the Champions League final last term, has scored 11 and registered five assists from 25 appearances this term, and looks destined to break into the England squad in the near future under Thomas Tuchel.

The 20-year-old thrives in the left-wing position and has notably proven when needed he can play as wing-back during his time in Germany.

Dortmund have made no secret of their desire to sign Rashford and at this stage are only looking at loan options due to the Englishman’s hefty wage demands.

However, if Manchester United were able to offer a fee, with Rashford as a makeweight, they could help Dortmund to afford a portion of the 27-year-old’s wages while also inturn landing themselves a top prospect for the next decade.