Daily Mail

Ange Postecoglou has given his view on Marcus Rashford's bombshell admission that he is ready to leave Manchester United.

Postecoglou's Spurs are due to face United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals on Thursday night, but the build-up to the match has been dominated by Rashford's surprising comments.

After being left out of Ruben Amorim's squad for the Manchester derby on Sunday, Rashford revealed to journalist Henry Winter that he is 'ready for a new challenge' as he strongly hinted that his future lies away from Old Trafford.

Postecoglou was asked for his reaction to Rashford's situation at his press conference on Wednesday and delivered a blunt response.

'No interest, I don't care,' Postecoglou said. 'He's a Man United player, a very good player. They've got plenty of good players.

'But I manage my players and I guess other managers will manage their own players. But in terms of Marcus' situation, I have no real desire to examine it any further.'

It is currently unclear where Rashford could go if he does leave United, but Tottenham may be an option with captain Son Heung-min struggling for form on the left wing where the Red Devils forward tends to operate.

Yet Postecoglou had no intention of contemplating that idea on Wednesday as he instead turned his attention to trying to lead Spurs one step closer to their first piece of silverware since 2008.

It has since emerged that Tottenham will not have to worry about Rashford on Thursday night as he has been omitted from United's squad once again.

Alejandro Garnacho, who was dropped from the squad alongside Rashford on Sunday, is back in the travelling party for the trip to north London.

Rashford was sent home from training on Monday due to felling unwell, but was able to return to his old school on Tuesday to deliver 420 Christmas presents to schoolchildren.

It was there that he spoke to Winter about his future at United and the possibility of moving on from his boyhood club.

Amorim was asked about Rashford at his own press conference on Wednesday morning, and insisted the door remains open for the England international to force his way back into his plans.

‘We are better with Marcus Rashford, that is simple and we will try different things to push Marcus to the best levels he showed in the past. And that’s all,' Amorim said.

‘I think it’s right. We have here a new challenge. It’s a tough one, 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. This is a really new challenge and the biggest one. I really hope all my players are ready for this new challenge.’

Manchester United wantaway Marcus Rashford has been omitted from Ruben Amorim's squad to face Tottenham on Thursday night.

The Red Devils, who take on Spurs in a crucial League Cup quarter-final after triumphing 2-1 over rivals Manchester City on Sunday, are set to be without their highest earner again at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The £375,000-a-week star announced on Monday that he is ready for a 'new challenge' away from Manchester United after two decades at the club, just a day after being left out of his side's dramatic derby win over City.

Alejandro Garnacho, who was also omitted from Amorim's squad against the reigning champions, has returned to the squad and was seen alongside his Red Devils team-mates as they began the journey to London on Wednesday.

Perhaps in an effort to keep a low profile, the Argentine, 20, was pictured sporting a black beanie and snood to cover his face.

Aside from his Manchester derby snub at the weekend, Garnacho has much to celebrate after winning FIFA's Puskas Award for his astonishing overhead kick goal against Everton at Goodison Park last season.

Sunday's match-winner Amad Diallo was part of the travelling party alongside the likes of Casemiro, Harry Maguire, Manuel Ugarte and Antony, full of confidence after his sensational display against the champions.

The 22-year-old winger inspired United's late comeback by winning Bruno Fernandes' equalising penalty in the 88th minute, before netting the winner himself moments later, continuing his fine form under the new manager.

Amorim refused to close the door on Rashford's career on Wednesday by insisting he wants to keep the winger in the future, but Mail Sport have previously revealed the club would be willing to sanction a sale for a fee in the region of £40m.

Fielding questions into the snub ahead of the derby, Amorim stressed that it was just 'simple selection' and that, more cryptically, he 'pays attention to everything: the way you eat, the way you put on your clothes to go to the game. Everything'.

Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand shared why he believes Rashford and Garnacho were dropped for Sunday's Manchester derby.

According to Ferdinand, Rashford and Garnacho may have to raise their standards in all aspects, hinting that Amorim may have 'heard or (seen) something he was unhappy with' off the pitch.

'This manager doesn't seem to be the type of guy that will let stuff side,' the Man United legend said on his Rio Presents podcast on Tuesday. 'He seems to be a very honest and straightforward guy. We saw Erik ten Hag do this early, going against the players.

'But in time, the consistency wasn't there across the board with other players. The squad then starts picking holes in that. I'd like to think it's different with Amorim, he seems very direct, 'you're not playing – that's it and that's why'.

'I think in the training ground, he's instructed all of his staff to keep their eyes open about everything. How do these players interact with all members of staff? How are they when I'm not in the room? He seems like a man of detail.

'He wants a harmonious environment. A proper culture of respect. I think he's seen or heard a couple of things that he isn't quite happy with. There's something not related to football that I think has happened. They probably flippantly did not say hello to someone or have not been as warm to people.

'These little one-per-centers add up to building a culture to win. If you let these go, the culture to win takes even longer. Every single detail, "I don't like that, nail it". Punctuality, respect for team-mates, etc.'

United take on Spurs off the back of their 5-0 triumph over Premier League strugglers Southampton on Sunday.

Ange Postecoglou's side ended a five-game winless run with the victory at St Mary's, and Thursday night's clash is one of huge significance for both managers given each club's eagerness for silverware.

Tottenham have not won a trophy since the League Cup in 2008, while Manchester United won the FA Cup under Ten Hag last season.

Man United press conference LIVE: Ruben Amorim meets the media  Daily Mail

Tottenham supporters have hit back at plans for Squid Game guards to roam their stadium for two matches, after the Premier League giants announced a partnership with the hit Netflix show.

The club announced activations will take place ahead of Premier League matches against Liverpool and Wolves at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on December 22 and 29 respectively.

Tottenham said the partnership with Netflix will support the launch of the second season of Squid Game on December 26.

The first season of the Korean thriller became the streaming service's most watched series in history back in 2021.

Tottenham announced plans for activities for fans attending their upcoming two Premier League matches.

This included Squid Game guards roaming the stadium in pink hooded jumpsuits for photo opportunities, while a giant blimp of the Young-hee doll - featured in the ‘Red Light, Green Light’ game – will appear outside the stadium pre-match.

The season two trailer will be shown on the stadium screens at half-time in the matches, while visual elements from the show will also be featured.

Tottenham's men's and women's team players will also participate in challenges from the show on the club's channels.

‘Squid Game 2 will undoubtedly be one of the most talked-about shows over the festive period and our partnership with Netflix places the Club at the centre of popular culture,' said Ryan Norys, Tottenham's chief revenue officer.

‘This is yet another exciting way to enhance the matchday experience and bring our fans fresh, engaging content across digital channels.’

The announcement, however, has faced a backlash from Tottenham fans on social media with supporters questioning the club's priorities.

'Games gone. What on earth is this,' one account responded on social media.

'Oh, f*** off. Giant dolls and muppets pretending to be villains in pink trackies roaming around in matchday, yet we can't turn to the music off before KO or put a few hundred fans together to sing,' another responded.

'There used to be a football club over there.'

A third wrote 'The attempted Americanisation of match days at Spurs is becoming so miserable. They advertise where singers are going to be performing in the concourses, light shows, squid game cosplayers, even the trumpet now.

'No one cares about it, or wants any of it. Win some games!'

The criticism of the partnership comes just days after Tottenham's away end chanted protest songs against chairmen Daniel Levy.

Sections of Tottenham fans have also announced plans for a protest against ENIC - the club's majority owners - ahead of the match against Liverpool on December 22.

The planned protest is reportedly aimed at highlighting ‘dissatisfaction with the club’s current direction in footballing matters’.

Fans will reportedly release balloons in the 24th minute of the match to signify the years ENIC have been in charge of the club.

Tottenham are currently 10th in the Premier League table after an inconsistent season, with seven wins, two draws and seven defeats to date.

Ange Postecoglou’s side are five points off the Premier League’s top four.

The Football Association have dismissed Tottenham's appeal to have Rodrigo Bentancur's ban for using a 'racial slur' against team-mate Son Heung-min reduced.

Spurs had hoped they would be able to bring the midfielder back into the fray sooner amidst a chaotic festive schedule - that will now see him miss games against Man United and Liverpool - after Bentancur made the alleged racist remark during a television interview.

The club did not want to contest the guilt of Bentancur's remarks but attempted to challenge the length of the initial seven-match ban that had been imposed.

Mail Sport's Sami Mokbel exclusively revealed earlier in November that the FA were set to hit the Uruguayan with a huge ban following the incident. He was subsequently given his seven-game sanction and fined £100,000.

The FA have a minimum timespan of six games for bans pertaining to racial abuse but gave Bentancur an extra game as they felt his comments constituted an 'aggravated breach'.

However, Tottenham's appeal has now been dismissed by the FA who issued a short statement before confirming they would release extended details for their decision at a later date.

Rejecting Spurs' claim to have the ban reduced, the FA stated: 'An independent Appeal Board has dismissed an appeal by Rodrigo Bentancur in relation to his recent suspension.

'An independent Regulatory Commission imposed a seven-match suspension on the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder for an aggravated breach of FA Rule E3 in relation to a media interview.

'This appeal was dismissed following a hearing, and the seven-match suspension remains as ordered by the Regulatory Commission.

'The Appeal Board’s written reasons for its decision will be published in due course.'

Bentancur was charged by the FA on September 12 with an alleged misconduct breach in relation to a media interview, which emerged in June.

The interview showed Bentancur being asked by the host of Canal 10 to show the shirt of a Spurs player to which he replied: 'Sonny's? It could be Sonny's cousin too as they all look the same.'

While Bentancur swiftly apologised, due to this being an 'aggravated breach', an independent regulatory commission panel was required to either uphold the FA charge or dismiss the case.

The 27-year-old has so far missed Premier League matches against Manchester City, Fulham, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Southampton, but has been permitted to play in the Europa League.

He will be back available for league selection on Boxing Day when Spurs travel to face Nottingham Forest.

Dele Alli's last league appearance was for Besiktas in Turkey in February 2023

He could soon link up with Serie A side Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Mason Mount? Marcus Rashford? Joshua Zirkzee? Who should Manchester United sell to raise funds?

Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas is considering offering a route for Dele Alli to find his feet again in top-level football.

Former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona midfielder Fabregas is head coach at Serie A club Como and is hoping free agent Dele will start training with the Italian side in the next month.

Dele, 28, has been training with Everton to build fitness but has not played a league game since February 2023 for Besiktas.

The ex-Tottenham star watched Como beat Roma on Sunday.

Fabregas said after the match: 'I don't want to talk too much about this but perhaps there is a chance Dele will start training with us after Christmas.

'It would be to help him get in shape and nothing more.'

Dele has been struggling with injuries and off-the-pitch issues in the last two years.

The midfielder said earlier this year that he had been targeting a spot at the 2026 World Cup with England as he looks at an eventual return to international football.

Dele previously starred as an England regular and played at Euro 2016 and the World Cup in Russia two years later.

But he hasn't featured for the Three Lions since making his 37th international appearance five years ago.

His contract with Everton expired at the end of last season.

Many home fans left the stadium after their side trailed 4-0 after 25 minutes

Spurs steamrolled Russell Martin's relegation strugglers on Sunday evening

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Mason Mount? Marcus Rashford? Joshua Zirkzee? Who should Manchester United sell to raise funds?

Southampton fans began to empty St Mary's Stadium after just 25 minutes into their game against Tottenham.

The hosts trailed 5-0 in the first-half, with a brace from James Maddison and goals from Heung Min-Son, Dejan Kulusevski and Pape Sarr contributing to the goal-fest.

Going into the match, Spurs had not won in five outings, with the pressure mounting on Ange Postecoglou.

Sunday evening's game saw the North London side score five first-half goals for the first time in Premier League history.

Meanwhile, Southampton have collected just five points this season, winning only one game as we move closer to the half-way point of the campaign.

If the Saints do not tally any points before matchweek 18, they would mathematically be on track to eclipse Derby's record of achieving the least points in a Premier League season.

But Russell Martin's side, having taken only five from 16 matches so far, need a serious reboot to avoid being dragged into the conversation.

The Rams have the lowest points tally of the 646 teams to have completed top-flight seasons since 1992 - they collected a measly 11 points in 2007-08.

Ange Postecoglou named Djed Spence in Tottenham's starting XI for the first time, in their clash with Southampton on Sunday night.

The full back joined Spurs from Middlesbrough in 2022 for £20million but made just eight appearances since and, after 884 days, has now earned his first start.

He has endured three loan spells in his time with the club, at Rennes, Leeds United and Genoa.

The North London side have not won in five games. However, Postecoglou's hand was forced in defence, in light of their injury crisis; Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies are all out.

Tottenham lie a woeful 13th place in the table, eight points behind Nottingham Forest, who occupy the final Champions League qualification spot. With 20 points, Spurs are as close to Ipswich in the relegation zone (12 points) as they are to Forest.

Along with Spence, 18-year-old Swedish star Lucas Bergvall is another young talent who earned his first start against Southampton, starting in defensive midfield.

On August 19 2024, Spence made his first appearance for Tottenham since January 2023. He replaced Pedro Porro in their opening Premier League game of the season - a 1–1 draw with Leicester.

Postecoglou's side have kept just one clean sheet in their last nine league games and have a perfect opportunity to regain confidence against relegation strugglers Southampton.

The Saints lie dead last in the table with five points, winning only one of their opening 15 games.

Follow Mail Sport's live blog for the latest team news, updates and live score from the Premier League game between Southampton and Tottenham at St Mary's plus updates from Chelsea vs Brentford.

Postecoglou thrust Archie Gray into centre-back against Rangers on Thursday

The teenage star made himself a regular at Leeds - he could do so at Spurs too

LISTEN NOW: It's All Kicking Off! Mason Mount? Marcus Rashford? Joshua Zirkzee? Who should Manchester United sell to raise funds?

As Ange Postecoglou was demanding senior players step up and take responsibility, teenager Archie Gray was inadvertently proving the point by promising to study hard for a new role and plug the hole in the centre of Tottenham's defence.

'It's a different challenge, a different position,' said Gray, whose unflappable temperament had been one of the positives to emerge from the Spurs injury crisis.

'It has differences. As a full-back you're at the touchline and in midfield you've always got a man behind you. Here you can see the whole pitch. I'm just grateful for every minute I play and wherever the manager wants me to play, I'm happy to play it.'

Gray is 18 and it is easy to forget in only his second season of senior football. He burst into the Leeds team in the Championship last season and proved impossible to dislodge, whether at full back or central midfield, the position where most agree he will end up.

The same could end up being the case at Tottenham. Not only because of his qualities as a footballer, which are considerable, but also his mentality. His composure is remarkable and extends beyond the confines of the pitch.

Spurs players were not up for talking after extending a poor run of form to one win in eight with the Europa League draw at Rangers on Thursday, but Gray stepped up and accepted another challenge.

He told how central defensive partner Radu Dragusin and goalkeeper Fraser Forster were talking him through the new position during games, and Postecoglou and his coaching staff had designed specific drills for him in training with Cristian Romero, Micky van de Ven and Ben Davies all injured.

'I'm confident in my ability, I'll always back myself,' said Gray, with an eye on Sunday's trip to Southampton, the team that denied Leeds promotion in the play-off final in May and cleared the way for him to leave Elland Road.

'They love to play short football. They're similar to us in a way, how they love to find bounce passes through the pitch and have a free-flowing structure. It will be good to play them again.

'Even if the results like against Rangers don't go our way, I'll always back all of us and back myself to step in and do the job. For us, I think the result is the most important thing. We're just focusing on playing our football which is the best way to get our results.'