Ruben Amorim aims thinly-veiled dig at Marcus Rashford as decision made on Alejandro Garnacho transfer

Ruben Amorim appears to have taken a dig at Marcus Rashford ahead of the final days of the transfer window.

Despite rumours that a deal for Denmark international Patrick Dorgu is all but confirmed, United have been uncharacteristically quiet in the January transfer window.

Instead, it appears that Amorim's first window as manager at Old Trafford will have been focused on outgoings, with reports suggesting that Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho could both go in the final days of the window.

But now, the Portuguese manager appears to have hit out at Rashford with a not-so-subtle dig while speaking about his hopes for the window.

Garnacho has been heavily linked with a move away from United throughout the transfer window, with Italian side Napoli and Premier League rivals Chelsea the most likely destinations.

The Uruguayan winger appeared to fall out of favour with Amorim ahead of the Manchester derby in December, leading to him being dropped alongside teammate Rashford.

But now, having repaired the relationship with his new boss, Garnacho has fought his way back into United's lineup, leading to Amorim publicly saying he wants to keep him at the club.

"I want players like Kobbie and Garnacho,’ Amorim said ahead of United's Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace.

"The focus is that we have to improve our academy, and you have to bring more.

"That is something that all the clubs in England have to take advantage of: the players that come from the academy. I just want to prepare with both of them for the next game."

While it is reassuring to United fans that both Garnacho and Mainoo will stay at United if Amorim gets his way, it send a clear signal to Rashford, another academy player, that he is not a part of Amorim's future plans.

Alejandro Garnacho has eight goals and six assists in 35 appearances for United this season. (Image: Getty)

Both Garnacho and Rashford were left behind for the massive game against local rivals City after Amorim admitted he was unhappy with the pair's attitude in training.

Although Rashford has continued to be sidelined by the Portuguese manager, Amorim has revealed that Garnacho immediately got his act together and proved his worth to the team.

"He changed right away since that game from City," revealed Amorim.

"The way he understands things and understands that I just want to help him. I just want to win games.

"The approach when we talked with him. He changed in everything. The way he recovers. He understands that sometimes I am a different coach, that I am demanding in my way and sometimes it is hard to make the first impact.

"He understands that he is never in a bad way. It is always for him. I think all the merit is for Garnacho. He is improving and we want to continue to improve with Garnacho.

"He understood the position, the moments of playing inside and outside. The connection with Mainoo. I think he is improving a lot."