'I just want to help Marcus' - Ruben Amorim insists Man Utd are 'better with Rashford' as he responds to struggling forward's shock transfer revelation

After being omitted from the squad for United’s 2-1 derby victory over Manchester City, Rashford shocked fans with his statement about being ready for a "new challenge" away from Old Trafford. While speaking about his potential departure, the England international said to Henry Winter: "I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps. When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United.”

Amorim has not yet spoken to Rashford directly about the situation, as Tuesday was a rest day for the squad. However, the United boss reaffirmed his commitment to helping Rashford regain top form after a slow start to the campaign that has seen him score just four times in 15 Premier League appearances.

When asked about Rashford’s future, Amorim underlined his desire to keep the forward at Old Trafford.

"Of course, because this kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent," the manager told reporters. "He just needs to perform at the highest level. That is my focus. I just want to help Marcus. He’s our player and he’s ready for the next game. What I want is to take the best of Marcus Rashford and the other players. I don’t talk about the future. I talk about the present. I want to best of each of them. I just want to win and help the team to be better. We are better with Marcus Rashford, that’s simple and we try our best to push Marcus Rashford to the level he is at before.”

Amorim suggested that he kept Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of his plans against City because they failed to meet his standards in the build-up to the derby, revealing he watches "the way you eat, the way you dress for a game, everything". However, they could be reinstated to the squad for the Carabao Cup quarter-final fixture against Tottenham, which will be ultimately determined by their performances in training.

"We have one more training but it’s the same as the other players," he said. "If they train well, then I have to make a choice. We’ll see at the end of training. I expect the best of each player every day so we will see after training."

United’s schedule remains packed as they navigate through a crucial period of the campaign. Following their Carabao Cup showdown with Tottenham on Thursday, the Red Devils return to Premier League action against Bournemouth on Sunday before a Boxing Day trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.