Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim
Ruben Amorim has left Marcus Rashford out for three straight games
Ruben Amorim has declared he knows what he is doing over his current handling of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
The Red Devils star has missed out on the side's last three matchday squads and, following his absence from the win over Manchester City, revealed publically that he was ready for a new challenge. It had already been made clear that United were open to his exit as soon as January, though Amorim has maintained he is happy to keep the 27-year-old.
United's new head coach is scarcely a month into his new job but has seen the situation dominate recent press conferences. The Portuguese boss has ensured reporters that his decision is entirely based on football and training rather than as a result of Rashford's interview.
Amorim has described the striker's absence as 'normal' as he looks for the best for the team. The 39-year-old claims to speak to Rashford daily as he looks to improve his charge.
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"Normal situation,” Amorim said in his press conference ahead of Wolves on Boxing Day. “When I feel that it’s the right moment I will change something. Until then I will continue to think what is the best for the team. I speak with him every day. Not about the interview, about the performance."
Amorim confirmed that Rashford 'wants to play, he is trying' but that the decision is only his.
“I spoke with a lot of players – individually, during training – so I’m trying to do things… I am doing things my way,” he added. “And it’s the only way I know. If I don’t do that I will lose myself and I will not lose myself. I know what I’m doing.”
Ruben Amorim, Head Coach of Manchester United, speaks to Marcus Rashford of Manchester United as he prepares to enter the pitch as a substitute during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester United and FK Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford on November 28, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Ruben Amorim has excluded Marcus Rashford from recent matchday squads
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Image:
Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Pressed on what Rashford must do to earn his way back, Amorim said he wanted to see responsibility and engagement from all the members of his squad. “Like any other player, the best that they can be," he said.
"If you have big talents, big performance, big responsibility, big engagement, like push forward everybody in this moment. And some guys have a big responsibility here because they are here for a long time.
"So, this is maybe one of the lowest moments in our club, so we have to face it and be strong in this moment. That’s what I want for every player on the team."
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The United boss does not believe the situation surrounding Rashford has become a distraction despite his profile. That only exists outside of the club he claimed.
“Not for me, not for the other players because everybody is there every day during training, so they understand and that is the key point," he said. “For the media and for the other people, I cannot control that.
"But I’m really focused and they know, I’m so clear in my message, everybody in Carrington know what I’m talking about and what I want from Marcus and everybody else. So, it’s not a distraction for us. Maybe it’s for the media but that is not my concern."
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