It feels like an awful long-time ago when Marcus Rashford initially broke onto the scene with Manchester United.
His explosive performance against Arsenal in February 2016 introduced everyone to one of England's new hot prospects. A few months later, he would be jetting off to France in Roy Hogdson's last England squad to an ill-fated Euro's.
But six years later, Rashford's career at Old Trafford appears to have stalled and requires new impetus. Could Chelsea offer that impetus should United opt to sell their academy graduate this summer? Although his form has been disappointing, his tally of four goals in the Premier League matches that of Kai Havertz, which is probably more a reflection of the Blues attacking frustrations this term.
The key detail surrounding Rashford's future pertains to his current contract expiring in June 2023. United do have an option to extend for a further season, as noted by Fabrizio Romano.
Having said that, the feeling of a crossroads in Rashford's career this summer appears abundantly obvious. With the reality of a new head coach, the continual malaise at that club and the need to move to a new environment could be what he needs.
The likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi, Timo Werner, Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech have all been linked with this theory over recent months.
But given his contract could expire in 2023, it may force United to make a quick decision over Rashford's future in the coming weeks. Similarly, a swift call will have to be made over a first-team duo at Stamford Bridge.
The same summer Rashford's contract expires, so does N'Golo Kante's and Jorginho's. Two players have been integral to Thomas Tuchel since January 2021. Both are valued at around £40m by TransferMarkt and could still attract decent fees this summer if Chelsea decided to cash in.
Unlike the younger Rashford, both Kante and Jorginho are entering the latter stages of their careers, and the harsh reality for Chelsea is that the last chance to make a significant fee on either would be this summer.
The uncertainty over the current ownership places any chat of concrete summer transfer plans in a state of limbo for the time being.
Though that clock still counts down, and if neither is cashed on this year, Chelsea risk having a repeat of the uncertainty surrounding the defensive trio of Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen that has dominated this season.
The brutality of either call pertains to their brilliant performances for Tuchel in last season's Champions League run and their seniority within the current dressing room.
For weeks before Abramovich announced his intention to sell, the wide belief was that Chelsea would be going in strong for a new central midfielder this summer – that mission may be severely halted.
Though with the reality that new ownership will likely lead to an even greater reliance on player sales, letting two players like Kante and Jorginho run down their contracts feels naive.
Like United have with Rashford's doubt, Chelsea will have to make a big call on the future of their midfield.
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