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 will miss Manchester United’s Carabao Cup quarter-final at Tottenham on Thursday evening, despite Ruben Amorim’s claim that he wants his unsettled star to stay at the club.

Rashford was suspended for Sunday’s Manchester derby and did not travel to London with the rest of the United squad.

His future at Old Trafford was thrown 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’s simple, and we will try different things to get Marcus to the best level he has shown in the past.

‘This kind of club needs great talent and he is a great talent, so he just has 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 Manchester United player so there is no change.”

Ruben Amorim tried to play down the tension with Rashford but admitted he wished the striker had spoken to him before giving his impressive interview.

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

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

Rashford has ambitions to play in Spain, where he has been linked with Barcelona in the past.

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

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

Amorim had not spoken to Rashford when he addressed the media on Wednesday, but admitted he would have preferred the player to raise any concerns with him privately.

“If this were me I would probably speak to the manager but let’s concentrate on Tottenham,” he added.

‘It’s hard to explain to you what I’m going to do. I’m a bit emotional, so I’ll decide right now what to do.”

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

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

Alejandro Garnacho, who also fell due to the victory over Manchester City on Sunday, is back in the selection.

“He trained very well,” Amorim said. ‘He seems a bit angry with me and that’s perfect. I was very 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 heading to the Etihad.

“He is very sad and in the dressing room he was very sad, so we have to help him,” Amorim said.