Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford hit the headlines in December when both players were left out of Ruben Amorim's Manchester United squad for the Manchester derby.

Amad Diallo stole most of the attention that day after playing a key role in United's remarkable win at Manchester City. And yet the absence of both Rashford and Garancho has left both of their futures up in the air ever since that day at the Etihad Stadium.

The two academy graduates have had contrasting responses, despite both being linked with moves away. It's important to state that the Englishman is the only one who stated his desire for a new challenge, with no indication from Garnacho that he wants to leave.

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But the differing responses of both players is hard to ignore. Rashford has not played for the Reds since the 2-1 win at Viktoria Plzen on December 12 as he continues to be linked with Barcelona. Reds boss Ruben Amorim has appeared to question the 27-year-old's work ethic, having recently admitted he would rather play his goalkeeping coach over a player who does not offer the commitment he seeks.

Sources have insisted to the Manchester Evening News that the attacker has not declared himself unavailable and is undertaking extra sessions in training. However, his continued absence from the Reds' first-team squad is telling, particularly with Garnacho heavily involved in United's recent matches, where he has played well.

The Argentine provided an assist during Thursday night's win over FCSB and looked impressive, despite being linked with completing a move to Chelsea before the transfer window shuts. Garnacho's response to recent transfer interest has shown United his true colours - and the player has knuckled down and tried to convince his new boss he can be a key player moving forward.

He has found a role in Amorim's system as a wide forward, although his suitability for that role will be tested against stronger opposition. Rashford, though, does not appear to have a natural place in the United team, with the forward used as a striker in the early days under Amorim before he was dropped. It's a situation in which the Reds will need to resolve before Monday's transfer deadline.

It's hard to believe that Rashford will be frozen out until the summer, but how does Amorim reintegrate him after everything that has been said by the Portuguese? The former Sporting boss is not blameless in the Rashford situation, with his comments backing him into a corner.

However, it's become a mini-crisis which threatens to engulf the remainder of United's season if it's not resolved by the end of Monday.