Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has denied the suggestion that he tried to make a point by leaving Marcus Rashford on the bench for Monday's 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
The Red Devils failed to produce a response after Alexander Isak and Joelinton both found the net in the opening 20 minutes at Old Trafford.
Unimpressed by his team's start, Amorim opted to make an early change in the 33rd minute, introducing midfielder Kobbie Mainoo for Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, who was reportedly reduced to tears after being jeered off by Man United supporters.
Amorim made three further changes in the second period, bringing on Alejandro Garnacho, Leny Yoro and Antony in the hope that his alterations could spark a fightback.
However, Eddie Howe's side ultimately remained resolute in defence to condemn Man United to a third consecutive Premier League defeat without scoring.
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Amorim reveals reason behind Rashford snub
Amorim decided against using Rashford, who had returned to the squad for the first time since featuring in Man United's Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen.
The 27-year-old admitted that he was "ready for a new challenge and the next steps" after being left out of the squad for the Manchester derby.
Rashford was then absent from the next three matchday squads, before being an unused substitute in Monday's defeat to Newcastle.
Amorim insisted it was a technical decision to leave Rashford on the bench rather than being a case of a manager making a point to his player.
"I think about the team," Amorim told reporters after the 2-0 defeat. "You think a lot about Marcus. I think about the team. When I'm there I'm not making a point. I just want to win the game.
"And you can feel it – I'm talking about the idea and the fight for relegation. Do I want to make a point during a game? No, I just want to win the game."
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Has Rashford played his final game for Man United?
Rashford has made 426 competitive appearances for Man United, and it is unclear whether he will get the chance to add to that tally.
The forward does not appear to be a part of Amorim's plans, making him an obvious candidate to be moved on in the January window, especially as Man United need to offload players before they can make any signings.
Rashford has been linked with a number of clubs, including Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, Fenerbahce and Al-Ahli.
However, PSG are unwilling to pay Man United's £50m asking price, while Juventus have supposedly turned down the chance to sign the forward.
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