Man Utd 'submit formal bid' for Marcus Rashford replacement who Jose Mourinho thinks is better than Lamine Yamal

Manchester United have reportedly submitted a 'formal bid' for a potential replacement for Marcus Rashford amid ongoing speculation over his future at Old Trafford.

Rashford, 27, was left out of the United squad along with Alejandro Garnacho for Sunday's Manchester derby, which ended in a dramatic 2-1 win for Ruben Amorim's side.

Speaking after the match, Amorim said his decision to leave out Rashford and Garnacho was to do with setting high standards at United – adding that the pair would have to "fight" to earn their place in the squad.

Rashford later fuelled speculation he could seek a move elsewhere in January with a bombshell interview on Tuesday night, stating that he feels "ready for a new challenge and the next steps".

"If I know that a situation is already bad I'm not going to make it worse," Rashford told the journalist Henry Winter.

"I've seen how other players have left in the past and I don't want to be that person. When I leave I'll make a statement and it will be from me."

Amorim addressed those comments on Wednesday morning, suggested "big talent" Rashford still has a big part to play at Old Trafford.

When asked about Rashford's comments, Amorim said: "I think he's right. We have here a new challenge and it's a tough one, it's the biggest challenge in football because we are in a difficult situation. This is really a new challenge. I hope all my players are ready for this new challenge."

However, the Portuguese also admitted he was yet to speak to Rashford about his comments.

Now, reports in Spain claim United have already began working on potential replacements for Rashford.

Spanish publication Fichajes claim United have submitted a 'formal bid' for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.

Williams, 22, played a key role in Spain's triumph at Euro 2024 and has scored 22 goals in 144 games for Bilbao since making his first-team debut in 2021.

The winger is reported to have a €58m (£47.9m) release clause in his Bilbao contract but United could face competition for his signature, with PSG and Barcelona also said to be interested.

United have submitted a formal bid for Nico Williams according to reports in Spain (Image: Getty)

Former United manager Jose Mourinho is a huge fan of Williams, the younger brother of Athletic legend Inaki, and recently said he would prefer to sign the winger over Barcelona starlet Lamine Yamal.

"People were going for Yamal, Yamal, Yamal... he's obviously a wonderful kid, but I'm more of a Nico Williams fan than anything else," said Fenerbahce boss Mourinho.

"I think he's a fantastic player and I hope he ends up playing for Real Madrid because in Spain I'm a Real Madrid fan."

Rashford has himself been linked with a move to Spain, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stating La Liga is a 'dream' option for Rashford – should he leave Old Trafford.

Barcelona have been linked with the England international but it is unlikely the cash-strapped Catalan club will be able to afford Rashford on his current wages of around £350,000 per week.

Long-term admirers PSG are another potential option for Rashford, as is a move to the Saudi Pro League.