Ruben Amorim suggests Marcus Rashford is not 'ready to cope with demands' of Tottenham clash as Man Utd boss explains attacker's absence for second match in a row

Rashford was dropped for his team's derby win against Manchester City last weekend and head coach Amorim decided to omit him from United's quarter-final clash away to Tottenham on Thursday. The 39-year-old has lifted the lid on why the England international was not in their latest matchday squad.

Asked about Rashford's absence for the Tottenham game, he told Sky Sports: "Selection. I chose the players I felt were ready to cope with the demands of playing a strong game. I try to visualise all week and then choose my players. Just selection. It's always the same with every player [in terms of selection process]. Not just Marcus. In the end, I have to make a selection and I did it."

This comes days after Rashford revealed he is "ready for a new challenge", hinting he will seek a United exit. Despite Amorim insisting the Red Devils are "better with Rashford", another omission from the squad may signal his time at Old Trafford is drawing to a close.

After the Tottenham game, United face Bournemouth and Wolves on December 22 and 26 respectively in the Premier League. If Rashford isn't involved there, a January exit could beckon.