Ruben Amorim aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Marcus Rashford before distancing himself from the potential 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 within the FA Cup quarter-final victory over Preston on Sunday.
Antony, one other winger who left United in January, has also shone away from Old Trafford, starting every match for Real Betis and playing a key role of their stand up La Liga.
Rashford and Antony maintaining their high quality form is prone to be United’s best likelihood of raising serious money throughout the summer transfer window with outgoing sales needed to assist fund Amorim’s rebuild.
Get personalised updates on Manchester United day-after-day
Get up to search out news in your club in your inbox every morning with Metro’s Football Newsletter.
Enroll to our newsletter after which select your team within the link so we are able to send you football news tailored to you.
Talking to reporters ahead of United’s trip to Nottingham Forest on Tuesday, Amorim wouldn’t be drawn on the potential of offering either player a second likelihood.
When quizzed on Rashford specifically, Amorim reiterated he’s a ‘top player’ – but tellingly only ‘if he wants’.
‘I do know Rashford rather 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 identical with Antony, it’s thing.
‘We see our players doing well on loan in a special context. That may occur and it’s sign for the club.’
Asked whether Rashford still has a future, Amorim added: ‘Guys, let’s give attention to the sport. We’re really comfortable for our players which can be on loan doing well.’
Antony, who cost an eye-watering £85million from Ajax in 2022, has already suggested his preference can be to stay in Spain beyond the present season.
As with Rashford, Amorim insisted he just isn’t currently serious about the potential of the Brazil international rejoining his ranks.
‘Yeah I’m planning the long run but I don’t wish to talk concerning the future on this moment. I just wish to give attention to the sport.’
Rashford and Antony are amongst 10 players who could leave United this summer.
Jadon Sancho could also find himself back at United at the top of the season should Chelsea back out of their obligation to purchase the previous Borussia Dortmund star.
MORE: Ruben Amorim reveals what he has told Bruno Fernandes about Real Madrid move
MORE: Arsenal told to sign three strikers as an alternative of ‘unconvincing’ Viktor Gyokeres
MORE: Man Utd make decision over Chido Obi-Martin after his spell in first team
