Ruben Amorim says he wishes Marcus Rashford would have spoken to him first before admitting he’s ready to leave Man United – as the forward is left out again for the Red Devils’ trip to Tottenham

Marcus Rashford is set to miss Manchester United’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at Tottenham on Thursday night despite Ruben Amorim’s claim that he wants his unsettled star to stay at the club.

Rashford was axed for the Manchester derby on Sunday and did not travel with the rest of the United squad to London.

His future at Old Trafford was plunged into doubt on Tuesday when the 27-year-old revealed he wants a ‘new challenge’.

Amorim tried to defuse the issue on Wednesday, saying: ‘We are better with Marcus Rashford, that is simple, and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past.

‘This kind of club needs big talent and he’s a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.

‘Nothing has changed. We believe in Marcus. Marcus is a player of Manchester United, so there’s no change.’

Ruben Amorim attempted to play down any tension with Rashford, but admitted he wishes the forward had spoken to him before giving his bombshell interview

However, Rashford’s comments will have alerted clubs around the world about the possibility of signing him in the January transfer window.

United are likely to listen to offers in excess of £40m, although a loan move would be less attractive as the club struggles to balance the books to comply with profit and sustainability rules.

Rashford has ambitions of playing in Spain where he has been linked with Barcelona in the past.

Paris Saint-Germain have previously held talks with his representatives but are unlikely to make a move in January.

A number of top Premier League clubs, including Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea and Manchester City are in the market for a forward, and there will inevitably be interest from Saudi Arabia’s big four of Al-Ittihad, Al-Hilal, Al-Nassr and Al-Ahli.

Amorim hadn’t spoken to Rashford when he addressed the media on Wednesday, but admitted that he would have preferred the player to air any concerns with him in private.

‘If this was me, probably I would speak with the manager, but let’s focus on Tottenham,’ he added.

‘It’s hard to explain to you guys what I am going to do. I’m a little bit emotional so in the moment I will decide what to do.’

Rashford has been left out of United’s squad to face Tottenham, but Alejandro Garnacho travelled down to north London with the rest of the players

Amorim revealed Mason Mount has seen a specialist to determine the severity of his latest injury

Alejandro Garnacho, who was also dropped for the win over Manchester City on Sunday, is back in the squad.

‘He trained really well,’ said Amorim. ‘He seems a little bit upset with me and that’s perfect. I was really happy because I would do the same. He’s ready for this game.’

However, Mason Mount saw a specialist on Wednesday to determine how long his latest injury will keep him out of action after he went off at the Etihad.

‘He’s really sad and in the dressing-room he was really, really sad so we need to help him,’ said Amorim.