Ruben Amorim aims another swipe at Marcus Rashford over possible Man Utd return | Football

Ruben Amorim aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Marcus Rashford before distancing himself from the possibility of the forward returning to Manchester United this summer.

The England international was frozen out of the United team by Amorim who repeatedly questioned Rashford’s efforts in training before giving the green light to a January loan move to Aston Villa.

Rashford has shown glimpses of his once fearsome form under Unai Emery, scoring his first goals for the club in the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Preston on Sunday.

Antony, another winger who left United in January, has also shone away from Old Trafford, starting every match for Real Betis and playing a key role in their rise up La Liga.

Rashford and Antony maintaining their fine form is likely to be United’s best chance of raising serious money during the summer transfer window with outgoing sales needed to help fund Amorim’s rebuild.

Speaking to reporters ahead of United’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, Amorim would not be drawn on the possibility of offering either player a second chance.

When quizzed on Rashford specifically, Amorim reiterated he is a ‘top player’ – but tellingly only ‘if he wants’.

‘I know Rashford really well and everybody knows the talent that he has. So I already spoke about that,’ Amorim said.

‘He’s a top player, if he wants. So I’m not surprised. And like I said, it’s the same with Antony, it’s a good thing.

‘We see our players doing well on loan in a different context. That can happen and it’s a good sign for the club.’

Asked whether Rashford still has a future, Amorim added: ‘Guys, let’s focus on the game. We are really happy for our players that are on loan doing well.’

Antony, who cost an eye-watering £85million from Ajax in 2022, has already suggested his preference would be to remain in Spain beyond the current season.

As with Rashford, Amorim insisted he is not currently thinking about the possibility of the Brazil international rejoining his ranks.

‘Yeah I’m planning the future but I don’t want to talk about the future in this moment. I just want to focus on the game.’

Rashford and Antony are among 10 players who could leave United this summer.

Jadon Sancho could also find himself back at United at the end of the season should Chelsea back out of their obligation to buy the former Borussia Dortmund star.

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