Marcus Rashford's departure from Manchester United in the summer is almost as inevitable as his exit was at the beginning of February.
The winger once heralded as the future, had no choice but to leave United after his relationship with Ruben Amorim deteriorated to such an extent that staying was not an option..
However, there will be a sense of regret that United were not able to get the performance levels out of Rashford that he is managing at Aston Villa currently. In the first half against Cardiff City, the 27-year-old skied an effort over the crossbar much to the delight of the Cardiff City fans.
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But while at United his head would have likely dropped and self-doubt would have won the day, Rashford managed to push on and got his reward with an assist for Marco Asensio in the second half.
That makes it three assists in six appearances since moving to Villa which only serves to suggest that the West Midlands club will take United up on that £40m transfer in the summer.
Such a figure is measly compared to what it could have been if Rashford had been offered out following his 30-goal season but still represents pure profit in terms of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). As such, it should help Amorim's purestrings ahead of the summer transfer window and help him to complete a deal which he will be desperate for.
A striker will be high on the Reds' wishlist come the end of the season, particularly when Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee have been so goal shy.
If it was up to Amorim, there would be just one player that he would look to use the entirety of that £40m Rashford sum - Viktor Gyokeres.
The Swede became one of Europe's best centre-forwards under Amorim's leadership and while his goal return has steadied somewhat since he moved to Old Trafford, Gyokeres still has 35 goals in 38 appearances to his name this season.
At least one goalscorer is needed for United in the summer and the fee coming in for Rashford will only help to boost the club's coffers to make that a reality.
