'Little bit upset with me' - Ruben Amorim reveals how Alejandro Garnacho is feeling after being dropped along with Marcus Rashford for Man Utd's derby clash with City

Garnacho, along with Marcus Rashford, was excluded from the 20-man matchday squad for the high-stakes clash, which United narrowly won 2-1. The decision raised eyebrows, but Amorim clarified post-match that the omission was not due to disciplinary issues, but rather stemmed from dissatisfaction with the players' performances both in training and on the pitch.

Despite the disappointment, Garnacho returned to training on Monday and impressed Amorim with his professionalism and attitude. Hence, he was rewarded with a place in the Carabao Cup matchday squad against Tottenham Hotspur.

Amorim admitted that Garnacho appeared “a little bit upset” after he was dropped from the derby squad but his reaction at Carrington, following the snub, was exemplary.

"Really good, he trained really well," Amorim told reporters. "He seems a little bit upset with me and that’s perfect. I was really really happy because I would do the same. He’s ready for this game."

The situation with Rashford remains more complicated, given his recent declaration of an intention to seek a transfer from the club. While Garnacho was called back to the fold, Rashford was snubbed once again for the Carabao Cup clash against Spurs - but the decision might have been taken given his recent illness which forced him to miss training on Monday.

The Carabao Cup presents an opportunity for Amorim to solidify his credentials and build momentum, especially after the morale-boosting win in the Manchester derby. Moreover, it is a competition that offers Amorim a promising route to silverware in his debut season as head coach. After an emphatic 5-0 victory over Leicester City in the fourth round, the Red Devils will face Ange Postecoglou’s Tottenham side on Thursday.