Romelu Lukaku could be the victim of Marcus Rashford's rise to Manchester United's primary attacking option, according to Danny Higginbotham.
Lukaku has been on the decline since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took charge at Old Trafford, scoring just two goals in five starts under the United caretaker boss.
Rashford, meanwhile, has seized the opportunity to lead the United line with both hands, firing seven goals in his last 10 appearances since being played in his preferred position.
Higginbotham believes Rashford's form and fluidity in attack could leave Lukaku surplus to requirement at Old Trafford this summer.
"It would be a huge step back if Rashford had to take a step backwards after what he has done," he told The Debate.
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"If Solskjaer does get the job, I don't see Lukaku staying. We've seen he likes the flexible front three.
"Lukaku is a fantastic centre forward but he is a centre forward, whereas Rashford will interchange with (Jesse) Lingard and (Anthony) Martial.
"Can Rashford be that one No 9 at United? I don't think there is the necessity to have a No 9 because of the way that they play.
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"Rashford can play in a number of different ways, and because of that I'd be very surprised if Lukaku didn't go in the summer."
United have reportedly made securing Rashford's future a priority, with the England international in line to receive a new six-year contract at his boyhood club.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy joined Higginbotham on The Debate and echoed the idea Rashford's form has raised questions over the future of Lukaku.
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"There's a dilemma for United in the summer," he added. "Lukaku is used to being the No 1 striker, the main man, but is it the right time for Rashford to be the United No 9?
"[Should he be] the one who plays in all the big games week in, week out, or does he remain as second striker and fill in on the flanks? I think he is ready.
"Only Ryan Giggs has got to 100 games for United quicker than Rashford. When you think of the players that have come through United, that alone is incredible.
"Who out there is ready made and better than Rashford? If there is someone they would got £100m."
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