Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho have taken divergent paths since being banished from Ruben Amorim's squad for the Manchester derby 44 days ago. While Garnacho has won back the head coach's trust, Rashford remains in the cold, having been spotted only once as an unused substitute against Newcastle United.
Amorim gave his most cutting comments yet on Rashford's absence after Sunday's win at Fulham, saying: 'It's always the same reason. The reason is the training, the way I see what a footballer should do. In training, in life and it's every day, every detail. So if things don't change, I will not change.' He added he would rather put 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital on the bench than a player who doesn't 'give the maximum every day'.
Garnacho, 20, has responded well after his exile lasted just one game. He has started four of the past five matches and is beginning to look a threat again. Amorim noted: 'He is improving in every part of the game: the understanding, when to defend. I am trying to find the best position for him.'
However, with Rashford's £325,000-a-week wages proving a barrier to a January exit, United are toying with the idea of selling Garnacho instead. Chelsea and Napoli are circling, and a £65m offer could tempt the club. Amorim admitted: 'That, nobody knows. Anything can happen.'
Selling Garnacho would be an almighty gamble. If the window closes with Rashford still at Old Trafford and Garnacho gone, it would be impossible to label this a successful window.
