Amorim questions the ‘choices’ of people close to the United forward


Ruben Amorim has questioned the ‘options’ of those in Marcus Rashford’s camp as speculation over the striker’s future at Old Trafford intensifies.

The Manchester United boss questioned the decision-making of those close to Rashford after the 27-year-old revealed to reporter Henry Winter that he is “ready for a new challenge”.

The England international made the comments after being left out of United’s 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City on December 15.

Rashford then missed the 4-3 Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by Tottenham Hotspur and was also left out as United were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth on Sunday.

Amorim’s side are currently 13th in the Premier League table as uncertainty grows over whether Rashford will remain a United player in January.

“It’s a difficult situation,” Amorim told Sky Sports.

“I understand that these players have a lot of people around them, making choices that are not the player’s first idea.

“They chose to do the interview as it’s not just Marcus.”

However, the Portuguese manager insisted he is still focused on his relationship with the player and added that Rashford and the club “deal with it when the time comes”.

Amorim said: “At the moment I am focused on improving Marcus.

“We need a talented guy like Marcus. I forgot about the interview now and I see what I see on the pitch.”

Since making his debut in 2016 after coming through the youth ranks, Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for United.

However, he has struggled for form in recent seasons and his performances have attracted criticism from fans and pundits alike.

United face Wolves at Molineux on December 26 before hosting Newcastle four days later.