Erik ten Hag stance on reunion with former Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford this month

Marcus Rashford feels 'ready for a new challenge' in his career. Erik ten Hag might feel ready for one too.

The Dutchman has been out of work since he was sacked by Manchester United last October but has been named one of the leading candidates to takeover at Borussia Dortmund after Nuri Sahin was sacked. It could set the scene for a compelling reunion.

Dortmund are midtable in the Bundesliga and set to fall into the Champions League play-off rounds. The season is by no means over and they are aware a smart managerial switch could yet salvage the campaign into one of success.

Another key factor could be the addition of a star signing this month. Rashford is the obvious choice, though it is starting to seem increasingly likely the 27-year-old will remain at Old Trafford. There is a lack of viable clubs who could sign him, financial complications behind an exit, and he even trained with the first-team on Wednesday morning. It's left United open to allowing fellow academy graduate Alejandro Garnacho to leave instead this month to raise those precious transfer funds.

AC Milan and Barcelona have both expressed an interest in Rashford, with Dortmund the other notable option available to him. They have doubts over a deal though, with even a short-term loan move valued at roughly €8 million. It doesn't rule a deal out completely, but certainly makes it a huge risk.

The possible arrival of Ten Hag could persuade them though. He worked closely with Rashford during their time together at Old Trafford and oversaw his best-ever season when he netted 30 goals across all competitions. If he wants a new challenge, then perhaps reuniting with his former manager as they both look to prove United wrong is the perfect platform to do so.

Ten Hag will give careful consideration to any job offer before he returns to the game and won't want to rush a decision. The Athletic even claims Ten Hag has no plans to return to management until the summer, though that stance could change if an offer is on the table. With time running out in the January window, a swift move to Dortmund could give them both the chance to change their fortunes. Don't expect it to happen though.