Amorim will be allowed to deal with Rashford issue

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim will be allowed to deal with the Marcus Rashford situation as he sees fit, with no pressure being applied from the club's hierarchy.

Amorim left Rashford out of his matchday squad for the third game in a row on Sunday.

Although Rashford said he is ready for a "new challenge", the Portuguese insists he wants the 27-year-old to remain at Old Trafford but has spoken about intensity in training and communication with team-mates as a couple of the reasons why Rashford has been exiled.

The England forward was at Old Trafford for the 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth. It remains to be seen whether he will return to the fold for the Boxing Day trip to Wolves.

Rashford is one of United's highest earners, with a salary of about £350,000 a week. This limits the number of options available should a decision be taken for the player to leave the club when the transfer window opens next month.

Paris St-Germain have already distanced themselves from speculation they are interested in Rashford, while the player is thought to be dubious about the merit of a move to the Saudi Pro League as he still has England ambitions.

As with Jadon Sancho following his fallout with Erik ten Hag 12 months ago, it is possible a loan deal could be arranged, although given the finances involved, United might have to make a contribution, which would squeeze an already tight Profit and Sustainability situation.

Nevertheless, Amorim will be allowed to deal with the matter, with chief executive Omar Berrada and co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe keen to stay away from a subject they regard as within the remit of the head coach.