Amorim would rather start Man Utd's goalkeeping coach than Rashford

Marcus Rashford was the subject of a pretty pointed jibe as Ruben Amorim discussed his Manchester United future.

Ruben Amorim claimed he would rather start 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital over Marcus Rashford in a brutal dig at the exit-linked Manchester United forward.

Rashford was once again conspicuous by his absence as the Red Devils laboured to a 1-0 win at Fulham on Sunday.

The England forward has not featured since the 2-1 Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen on December 12, with Amorim regularly questioning Rashford's professionalism.

The 27-year-old has said he wants to depart Old Trafford and has been linked with the likes of Barcelona, West Ham and Tottenham as United look for a potential exit route.

United boss Amorim again doubled down on his reasons for leaving Rashford out of his squad when speaking at a press conference following the win at Craven Cottage.

"It's the same, it's always the same reason," Amorim said when asked why Rashford continues to be omitted.

"The reason is the training, the way I see what footballers should do in training, in life, it's every day, every detail.

"So if things don't change, I will not change. It's the same situation for every player. If you do the maximum, if you do the right things, we can use every player.

"And you can see it today on the bench. We miss a little bit of pace to go and change the game, move some pieces.

"But I prefer it like that. I will put Vital on before I put a player on that doesn't give the maximum every day. So I will not change in that department."

Alejandro Garnacho has also been linked with a United exit this window, potentially as the club tread the line with Profit and Sustainability Rules.

With Garnacho coming through the academy at Old Trafford, he would count as pure profit on the balance sheets.

Amorim said it would be a case of wait-and-see on Garnacho, who did start against the Cottagers.

"Anything can happen," Amorim said when asked about Garnacho.

"He is improving in every department, how he recovers, understanding the game when he defends. I am trying to find the best position for him. I don't know what's going to happen."