Why Marcus Rashford is not training with Manchester United squad ahead of Arsenal clash

Marcus Rashford was absent from Manchester United training on Wednesday morning ahead of the club’s FA Cup clash against Arsenal.

Manchester United turn their focus to the FA Cup this week as they look to defend their victory from last season.

Ruben Amorim’s men face a tough test in the third round of the competition, going away to Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Reds lost 2-0 against Arteta’s team last month, with both goals being scored from set-pieces.

Amorim will be desperate for his team’s standards to not slip once again after a resolute performance against Liverpool on the weekend.

Why Rashford wasn’t in United training on Wednesday

Marcus Rashford has not been included in the matchday squad for five of the last six games. He returned to the bench against Newcastle but was not chosen by Amorim to come on.

This all follows the drama surrounding his future after the England international admitted that he was open to a ‘new challenge’ in a recent interview.

Amorim is also reportedly unhappy with Rashford’s training conduct, and that is a large reason behind his minimal involvement in recent weeks.

However, last time out against Liverpool, the reason for Rashford’s absence from the team was due to illness instead of ‘selection’.

That has seemingly continued into this week, with Sky Sports reporting that Rashford was not training with the United squad on Wednesday morning.

Instead, the report claimed that the 27-year-old forward would train individually later that day as he continues to recover from illness.

Rashford’s camp meets Milan chiefs

This also follows on from reports claiming that Rashford’s representatives have met with AC Milan chiefs to discuss a potential deal.

Various clubs have been linked with United’s no.10 so far this month but United would ideally want to receive a guaranteed fee, whether that be a transfer or a loan with an obligation to buy.

Read More: “We have been blessed…” – Manager reacts to Manchester United loan decision this week

In terms of Rashford’s immediate future at Old Trafford, Amorim has not ruled his return to the squad out as long as he shows the right things in training.

“I’ve already spoken a lot about Marcus [Rashford] but it depends more from him than from me,” the boss explained. “He has to want it really bad. He’s here, he’s our player and he’s ready to play if I decide.”

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