Ruben Amorim will not exclude Manchester United's Marcus Rashford following the striker's revelation that he is seeking a transfer.

The Red Devils forward was remarkably left out of the matchday team that beat rival Manchester City on Sunday.

Just one day later, the 27-year-old was sent home from Carrington due to illness.

But 24 hours later he was back at his old elementary school where he told Henry Winter that he is 'Ready for a new challenge' after two decades at Old Trafford.

In his press conference ahead of Thursday's Carabao Cup quarter-final match at Tottenham, Amorim was asked his opinion on Rashford's comments.

talkSPORT's Manchester correspondent Micky Gray asked if he would allow Rashford to remain a part of his kit if the striker seeks a January exit.

Amorim avoided the question as best he could and said, “This is in the future.

“My goal is for all the players to be the best they can to prepare for each game.

“We are talking about if there is no if in this type of clubs. “It's just talking to them and focusing on the game.”

Amorim was then pressed on Rashford's view that he needs a new challenge, to which he stated: “I think it's right.

“We have a new challenge here, it is difficult, for me it is the biggest challenge in football because we are in a difficult situation and I already said that this is one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“This is a really new and biggest challenge. I really hope all my players are ready for this new challenge.”

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Amorim also admitted that he has not yet had the opportunity to speak to Rashford following his interview.

“No, not yet. It was yesterday, I gave the boys the day off, so he's our player and he's ready for the next game.

“I spoke to many players individually and during training, what I want is to take the best from Marcus Rashford as a player and not talk about the future.

“I only talk about the present, I want the best from each one of them and that is the key point for me, I just want to win and help the team to be better.”

But Amorim stressed that he would be happy to keep Rashford at the club, insisting that “'big talents' like the England international must remain at the club.

He said: “We are better with Marcus Rashford, that's simple and we will try different things to get Marcus to the best levels he has shown in the past. And that's it.

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“Of course (I would love to keep him), because this type of club needs great talent and he is a great talent.

Although Amorim ultimately remained tight-lipped on whether Rashford, who was unwell earlier in the week, and team-mate Alejandro Garnacho would be fit for selection against Spurs.

“If they train well then I will have to make a decision. We will see at the end of training.”

More to follow…