Ruben Amorim's immediate response when asked why Marcus Rashford isn't playing for Man Utd despite no transfer offer speaks volumes

Ruben Amorim didn't hold back when he was asked to explain why Marcus Rashford hasn't been playing for Manchester United.

United suffered their sixth Premier League defeat under new manager Amorim on Sunday, as they lost 3-1 to Brighton at Old Trafford.

As has been the case for several matches, star winger Rashford was not named in the match day squad, amid rumours he will move away from the club this month.

And Amorim didn't hesitate to explain exactly why he has been consistently leaving Rashford behind for United's recent games.

Last month, Rashford told respected journalist Henry Winter that he would be open to leaving his boyhood club and accepting a new challenge elsewhere, leading to speculation that he would secure a move in the January transfer window.

After Sunday's match, Amorim explained that it is exactly this that has lead to Rashford's continued absence from the United team, as both the forward and Portuguese manager think it's best he spends time away from the team while he figures out his future.

"Rashford is out of this moment because he is not playing. No matter what, I am not going to put a player I don’t believe is the best for the team," Amorim told reporters after the loss to Brighton.

"It is his choice. I don’t want to focus this bad moment because in this games we lost, Rashford is not here. I don't want to put this moment on Rashford."

Rashford's last appearance for United came on December 12 for the away trip to face Czechia's Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League.

Marcus Rashford has made 24 appearances for Manchester United this season. (Image: Getty)

Since then, the Englishman has only appeared on the teamsheet once as a unused substitute for the 2-0 loss to Newcastle United on December 30.

United have struggled in Rashford's absence, winning just three of their nine matches since his last appearance in December.

However, it still remain highly likely that he will leave Old Trafford this month, with a transfer to a club outside of the Premier League the most likely outcome.

AC Milan are reported to be the frontrunners for the 27-year-old's signature, with several other clubs across Europe said to be monitoring the situation ahead of deadline day on February 3.