Arsenal0 - 0Man Utd

Amad, who recently signed a new long-term deal at Old Trafford, has been one of Man United's most productive players this season, scoring six goals and registering seven assists in 28 appearances in all competitions.

The Ivory Coast international was expected to be in the XI for the FA Cup fixture at the Emirates Stadium, but Amorim has revealed that an issue sustained during a training session has seen him left out of the team against the Gunners.

The Man United head coach was also keen to praise Alejandro Garnacho, with the Argentina international the player to benefit.

"Amad had a little problem during the week and I like the way Garnacho is playing. He is playing well. Given the way he is training, we thought it was a good opportunity to see Garnacho start the game," Amorim told reporters.

Amad is on Man United bench vs. Arsenal

The involvement of Garnacho from the first whistle also suggests that the recent speculation surrounding the 20-year-old is wide of the mark.

Napoli have allegedly been in contact with Man United to discuss the possibility of signing Garnacho as a replacement for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who has asked to leave the Italian side this month.

However, Garnacho has now come in for his first start since the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on December 17.

The youngster is Man United's leading goalscorer during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring eight goals and registering four assists in 29 appearances in all competitions.

Is Rashford in the squad against Arsenal?

Amorim said during his pre-match press conference that Rashford was available against Arsenal, having recovered from the illness which contributed to him being left out against Liverpool last weekend.

However, the 27-year-old did not make the trip down to London with his teammates on Saturday afternoon, and he is absent from the Red Devils squad for the FA Cup third-round showdown.

Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan and Juventus are among the clubs being linked with the Englishman, who is widely expected to depart Old Trafford on loan before the January transfer window closes for business.

Written by

Matt Law