Marcus Rashford scored in both the first two matches under the new trainer Ruben Amorim, including a double against Everton.
After coming on as a substitute against Arsenal and Nottingham Forest, the England international was left out of the next three Premier League games. Rashford was also left out of the Red Devils' Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by Tottenham. He returned to the squad for the game against Newcastle in late December but did not feature.
Rashford was rumoured to be leaving in January after admitting he was ready for a new challenge. The British media are now abuzz with the initial disagreement that led to the striker being dropped from the starting line-up and eventually the entire Man United squad.
"We try to evaluate players on their performance in training, their performance in games, their connection with their teammates, their motivation to improve. Everything comes into play when we analyse and try to select players. That's my choice. It's simple.
"I don't want to send a message that it's just a review and they know that. The players are really, really smart. Everyone understands my decision and I have to choose. It's a simple choice," Amorim said when asked about the decision to leave Rashford and Garnacho out of the Manchester derby.
According to The Athletic, Amorim learned that Rashford had visited a bar in Manchester less than 48 hours before the 4-0 win over Everton. The striker is said to have assured the Portuguese tactician that this was not true. Amorim also asked Rashford directly about the matter.
The Manchester derby was the first game in which Rashford missed out completely, with Alejandro Garnacho also left out of the squad. However, Garnacho has returned to the bench in recent weeks, while Rashford has remained overlooked.
Rashford is said to have rejected interest from the Saudi Pro League as his goal remains to return to the England squad. Rashford is only joining a competitive club and league to give him the chance to return to the Three Lions under Thomas Tuchel. The 27-year-old is also waiting for Amorim's signal and will give his all if he is given a chance.
"I have said too much about Rashford. But everything will depend more on him than me. Rashford needs to prove that he really wants to play. For now, he is still a Man United player and must always be ready for any decision of mine" - the Portuguese strategist added.
