Marcus Rashford could be set for the biggest decision of his career ahead of Man Utd and Man City clash

And while United have other fine talents in their squad, it's Rashford who fans will be hoping to step up and make himself counted.

It has been a difficult season for the 26-year-old, who has looked a shadow of the player that netted 30 goals across all competitions last season.

Rashford has often cut a frustrated figure, with his body language prompting widespread criticism from fans and pundits alike.

He was isolated during the club's 1-0 FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest in midweek and his last goal came six matches ago, when the Red Devils edged a 4-3 thriller against Wolves.

Rashford has bristled at suggestions he doesn't care, strongly hitting back at his critics in midweek.

“When I make a mistake, I’ll be the first one to put my hand up and say that I need to do better," he told the Players Tribune.

"But if you ever question my commitment to Man United, that’s when I have to speak up.

"It’s like somebody questioning my entire identity, and everything I stand for as a man.

"I grew up here. I have played for this club since I was a boy. My family turned down life-changing money when I was a kid so I could wear this badge.”

He added: “I can take any criticism. I can take any headline.

"From podcasts, social media and the papers. I can take it.

"But if you start questioning my commitment to this club and my love for football and bringing my family into it, then I’d simply ask you to have a bit more humanity.”

Rashford is, however, a player who has regressed alarmingly.

And with talk of a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain rumbling on, especially amid an expectancy Kylian Mbappe will leave for Real Madrid, he could be set for the biggest decision of his career.

There's no denying Rashford loves United. He made that abundantly clear with his comments in midweek.

There is a sense, however, that a move to PSG would suit all parties - including the player himself.

United are a shadow of the team they used to be, with Sir Alex Ferguson's absence still felt 11 years on from his emotional retirement.

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But Rashford seems to be an emblem of the modern-day version of the club. Good, but not good enough.

He still has the quality and talent to dazzle and win matches but his lack of consistency has always been a huge issue.

United used to have a frontline consisting of players who would always step up on a regular basis. From Cristiano Ronaldo to Wayne Rooney, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to Teddy Sheringham, Dwight Yorke to Andy Cole - they've had many world-class forwards on their books.

But Rashford isn't in the same league. His five goals this season, and five he netted in the chaotic 2021/2022 season, are proof of that.

Delivering today against City would be a positive step towards ensuring he can stay at United for the long term.

Yet living in Paris, and a fresh adventure in France, would potentially benefit the United star.

It would give him a new lease of life away from the glaring spotlight of the Premier League, while the Red Devils would likely receive a hefty transfer fee that could be used to invest in other areas of their squad.

Right now, realistically, who says no?

Maybe only Rashford himself. And that speaks volumes.