Amorim has dropped Rashford from the last two squads
Amorim has dropped Rashford from the last two squads
Ruben Amorim has reiterated Manchester United have to "work as one" amid Marcus Rashford's public desire for a "new challenge".
Rashford, 27, outlined his intention to leave United in an interview on Tuesday, having been omitted from their squad for the Manchester derby victory at City on Sunday.
Amorim then excluded Rashford from the squad for the League Cup quarter-final defeat to Tottenham on Thursday and it is unclear if Rashford will return against Bournemouth in the Premier League at Old Trafford on Sunday.
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In his programme notes for United's final match before Christmas, Amorim dwelt on the manner of the victory at City, where United scored in the 88th and 90th minutes to secure a euphoric 2-1 win.
"Naturally, it was a great feeling to win the Manchester derby last weekend," Amorim wrote, "especially in the way that we did.
"You could see how much it meant to all of us in the moment - not just the players on the pitch and our fans in the away section, but also our substitutes and everyone on our bench when Amad's finish went into the goal.
"Everyone could see how much we all care and it was great to see everyone sharing in that moment together because, as I have said many times already, we have to work as one if we are to move forward in our project, so we share our ups and downs as a group."
In direct response to a question from journalist Henry Winter on whether he was staying or going, Rashford replied: "For me, personally, I think I'm ready for a new challenge and the next steps."
Rashford signed a five-year, £325,000-a-week contract with United in July 2023 but he has since scored only 15 goals for the club. Rashford was disciplined by former manager Erik ten Hag last season for attending a birthday party hours after the home defeat to City in October 2023. He was also dropped from the squad for the FA Cup fourth round tie against Newport County after he embarked on a boozy jaunt to Belfast.
Amorim clarified on Thursday evening Rashford's recent squad absences were not related to discipline. Alejandro Garnacho, who was also omitted from the squad at City, was recalled to the 20-man matchday squad at Tottenham and came on in the second half.
Rashford, who joined United as a seven year old, made his United debut in February 2016 and has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for his boyhood club.