Ruben Amorim says Manchester United are ‘better’ with Marcus Rashford

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says the club is “better off” with Marcus Rashford after the striker suggested he could leave Old Trafford.

The 27-year-old England international said on Tuesday he is “ready for a new challenge and next step” in his career.

This came two days after Rashford was sent off for United’s derby win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

Rashford’s last Premier League start came on 1 December, in a 4–0 win against Everton, when he scored twice.

Amorim suggested the club want the striker – who came from United’s youth ranks – to stay, saying: “I don’t talk about the future, we talk about the present.

“We’re better off with Marcus Rashford. A club like this needs big talents – and he’s a big talent.”

Asked about Rashford’s desire for a “new challenge”, Amorim said: “He’s right. We have a new challenge here, the biggest in football, we are in a difficult situation. I hope all my The players are ready.”

United will face Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Thursday.

Amorim refused to confirm whether Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho – who was left out of the squad to face City – would play against Spurs.

“We have another training session and they are in the same situation as the other players,” Amorim said.

“If they train well then we have to choose an option.”