Marcus Rashford and one other Manchester United star absent from squad for Tottenham clash

Attacker Marcus Rashford and centre-back Matthijs de Ligt are not in Manchester United's squad to take on Tottenham Hotspur away in the EFL Cup quarter-final on Thursday (December 19).

Rashford was also not in United's matchday squad for the 2-1 Premier League win at Manchester City last weekend. As per Sky Sports, the Englishman missed training this week due to illness, but new boss Ruben Amorim said that Rashford would be available for training before the Spurs game.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, though, has reported that Rashford hasn't been included in the squad that travels to Spurs in midweek. Meanwhile, De Ligt misses out, as he's not available.

It's pertinent to note that the 27-year-old Rashford said in an interview this week with Henry Wnter (via Sky Sports) that he's looking for a new challenge. Although he's contracted to Old Trafford till 2028, the Englishman is staring at an uncertain future at Old Trafford, especially after his non-inclusion in the squad to take on Spurs.

This season, the Euro 2020 finalist has registered seven goals and three assists in 24 games across competitions, scoring and assisting in three different competitions.

Meanwhile, De Ligt, 25, arrived at Old Trafford this summer from Bayern Munich and has scored once in 22 games across competitions. The Dutchman played the aforementioned league win at City last weekend.

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What Manchester United boss said about Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is expecting Marcus Rashford to be ready to play when called upon. The United tactician addressed Rashford's situation in a press conference before the Spurs game.

After Rashford's comments on Tuesday about a new challenge, Amorim said that he's focused on the present and hopes that all his players, including Rashford, step up.

"I don't talk about the future," Amorim said (as per the BBC). "We talk about the present. This kind of club needs big talent, and he's a big talent, so he just needs to perform at the highest level, and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.

"For me, it's the biggest challenge in football because we are in a difficult situation, and I already said this is one of the biggest clubs in the world. I really hope all my players are ready for this new challenge."

Manchester United have fared well in cup competitions in the last two seasons. After winning the 2022-23 EFL Cup, the Red Devils beat Manchester City in the final last season to win the FA Cup.