Man Utd 2-1 Rangers: Doubt remains over futures of Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho

Manchester United are in a favorable position to advance in the Europa League round of 16, but whether Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford will continue to play for the team in the knockout stages remains questionable. Head coach Ruben Amorim stated after the 2-1 victory over Rangers that he "doesn't know what will happen" before the transfer window closes on February 3rd.

Transfer rumors surrounding several Manchester United players continue to circulate, including Brazilian winger Antony, who is reportedly being considered for a loan to Real Betis in Spain, and Dutch defender Tyrell Malacia, who hopes to restart his career after struggling with injuries. However, Garnacho and Rashford are currently the most talked-about players.

While Rashford was once again excluded from the squad by Amorim, having been absent since the Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen on December 12th, Garnacho has started three of the last four matches and twice came close to scoring his first goal since November 28th. Selling Garnacho could generate funds for the club to bring in players who better fit Amorim's system, rather than continuing with players brought in by four different managers, dating back to Louis van Gaal's time.

Amorim stated, "They are no longer other coaches' players, now they are my players. You know the situation at the club. Before doing anything, we have to think about what led to the current situation. We have to be very clear about everything. I understand the question, but they are my players at the moment, and my focus is on the next game. I don't know what will happen. Everything is possible before the transfer window closes."

Chelsea and Napoli have both expressed interest in the 20-year-old Garnacho. Chelsea's offer is reportedly around £60 million, which is the price Manchester United are hoping for, but Manchester United has not responded. The club has publicly admitted that their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) situation is tight and has written to a major fan organization acknowledging that they are at risk of breaching the rules unless costs are cut.

Under PSR rules, selling a homegrown player like Garnacho could create more room in their submissions. However, Manchester United knows such a move would upset fans, who repeatedly chanted the Argentine international's name during the win over Rangers. Amorim said, "Let's see what happens in the next few days. He's a Manchester United player and was very important to us today. I think he's improving in all aspects of the game, today he was better inside and outside, he's changing positions, he's improving his recovery. Sometimes he shows some frustration, which is good because he wants more. He has the potential to be better in any situation of the game."

Garnacho joined from Atletico Madrid in 2020 and has made 118 appearances for Manchester United's first team since his debut in 2022, scoring 23 goals. He has made 32 appearances this season, scoring 8 goals. But with Manchester United's next home game against Crystal Palace on the day before the transfer window closes, is he saying goodbye to the Old Trafford faithful?

Former Manchester United Champions League winner Rio Ferdinand said on TNT Sports, "The fans have made their feelings very clear. They love him. He gets you on the edge of your seat. I don't think he'd actively push for a move. I don't think he'd say: 'I want to leave'. But this system doesn't suit him. Amorim doesn't use out-and-out wingers, so you don't see the best of him. That may be one of the main reasons why they may listen to offers."

Ferdinand believes that the situation with Marcus Rashford is clearer. Although Rashford trained fully on Wednesday, he was not included in the matchday squad, which was the only one of the 10 games Manchester United have played since December 12th against Viktoria Plzen that he has missed. Sources close to Rashford insist that the 27-year-old has no issues with Amorim and is keen to play for the club again.

His hopes of a move to AC Milan were dashed as they can only sign one English player this month due to Kyle Walker's impending arrival. A loan to Barcelona depends on several players leaving, but neither Eric Garcia nor Ansu Fati have shown any desire to leave the Nou Camp. If Rashford is still at Old Trafford when the transfer window closes, his situation remains an open question. But Ferdinand doesn't think Amorim wants him to stay.

"The club want him out, you can see that," he said. "He needs to go to a new club and a new environment. It's the best for both parties. When he first came on the scene, I always remember him smiling and living the dream. I haven't seen those emotions for a long time."