Ruben Amorim has admitted that Manchester United are going through “perhaps one of their lowest moments” and has called on everyone – including exiled Marcus Rashford – to be “strong in the moment”.
United were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, leaving them thirteenth in the Premier League. Amorim's side visit Wolves on Boxing Day after losing three of their last four games.
Meanwhile, United's former talisman Rashford has been left out of the final three matchday squads and gave an impressive interview last week to announce he is looking for a “new challenge”.
Asked whether the Rashford saga is in danger of becoming a distraction, Amorim said: “No, I don't think so. Not for me, not for the other players.
“Because everyone is there every day during training. They understand. That's the most important point. For the media and for other people, I have no control over that.
“But I'm really focused and they know I'm so clear in my message. Everyone in Carrington knows what I'm talking about and what I want from Marcus and everyone else. It's not a distraction for us, maybe for the media. ” But it's not my concern.”
Asked what he wants to see from Rashford, Amorim said: “Just like any other player, the best they can be.
“If you have great talent, great performance and great responsibility, push everyone forward at this time. Some guys have a great responsibility here because they have been here a long time.
“This is perhaps one of the lowest moments in our club, so we have to face it and be strong at this moment. That's what I want from every player in the team.”
Amorim: I know what I'm doing
Rashford was dropped from United's matchday squad for the first time ahead of the Manchester derby win on December 15 and Amorim has confirmed the forward wants to play for the team, but the Portuguese manager stands by his call-up.
“Yes, it's my decision,” Amorim said. “He wants to play, he's trying, but it's my decision, only my decision.
“I have spoken to many players, individually and during training. I do this my way and it is the only way I know. If I don't do that, I lose myself and I don't want to lose myself.” I know what I'm doing.”
Rashford was an ever-present figure under former manager Erik ten Hag and Amorim claims he cannot blame the Dutchman's dominance for his team who are currently struggling in the Premier League.
United's misery was epitomized by a leak that developed in the ceiling of the press conference during Amorim's post-match briefing against Bournemouth. The Portuguese coach even used that comical moment to claim he could turn the club's fortunes around.
“It's a difficult question to answer, and we need to know that: Don't let this become normal,” he said.
“I understand that it is a difficult moment and that is on me. Since the first day I arrived, it has been on me because I am responsible for the team.
“We can't think about that, we have to think about improving, understanding the context and not focusing on what happened in the past. The present is this, what we must do in the future is [not let this] happen again.
“If I knew, I would solve all the club's problems, even this one [points to the leak in the press conference room ceiling].
“I know what I'm going to do, it's so clear to me. That's why I feel so – I won't say relaxed because I'm really frustrated – but I know what I have to do.
“But we have to solve the problems step by step, find answers to everything, but it is a very difficult moment. We understand the fans and we will fight against that.”
Amorim's passionate message to Man Utd fans
Amorim also spoke about the 'anxiety' of the Manchester United fans around Old Trafford during the defeat to Bournemouth – but says he cannot blame the fans for 'doing everything right' from the stands.
The 39-year-old also admitted that he understands the frustration and disappointment they are showing among the players.
“I can't say better things about the fans,” he said. “What I'm trying to say to the fans is: we understand. I understand as a coach. I understand the moment, the frustration and the disappointment. I understand it.”
“We will improve, it will take time. I said the same thing after we beat Everton and people were talking about the top four. So I know it's going to be very difficult, but it's important for us to say in this squad the supporters we understand, I understand.
“And they're incredible, the support that we have. We have a season unlike any we've seen before [many] years and we know that. All you can do is face it, prepare the next match as if we won – if you can say that – and then go again and try to win a match.
'It only comes from us. They need our help, not the other way around. They do everything right.'
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