Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim revealed that he is “really happy” to see Marcus Rashford and Antony excel while out on loan this year, but refused to reveal whether either would ever play for the club again.

Rashford and Antony both struggled to establish themselves under Amorim following the Portuguese coach’s arrival in November. While the Brazilian forward was ultimately loaned out to Real Betis, Rashford made the move to Aston Villa after he was exiled from the first-team setup by Amorim.

Each forward has started strongly in their new – and theoretically temporary – surroundings. Just last weekend, Rashford scored twice to send Villa into the FA Cup semi-finals while Antony helped Betis win their first league derby against Sevilla in almost seven years.

United’s remaining forwards have struggled in comparison and it was put to Amorim this week whether there was any future for the successful loanees back at the club.

“I know Rashford really well and everybody knows the talent that he has,” Amorim noted, before pointedly adding: “He’s a top player, if he wants. So I’m not surprised. And like I said, it’s the same with Antony, it’s a good thing. We see our players doing well on loan in a different context. That can happen and it’s a good sign for the club.”

Amorim was pushed on the possibility of both players returning to Old Trafford. “Guys, let’s focus on the game,” he stressed. “We are really happy for our players that are on loan doing well.”

When the topic arose again, Amorim cryptically added: “I’m planning the future but I don’t want to talk about the future in this moment.”

Villa boss Unai Emery revealed recently that there has been no decision made about making Rashford’s loan permanent. While initially thought to be available for around £40m, subsequent reports have suggested that United will push for a price tag of £60m.

Real Betis have been more open in their desire to keep Antony, although the economic reality of a permanent deal could make this an impossibility – especially if Manuel Pellegrini’s side fail to qualify for the Champions League. The club’s talismanic playmaker Isco joked this weekend that the team should hold a fundraiser to finance the Brazil’s wages for another season.