Ruben Amorim has refused to close the door on Marcus Rashford at Manchester United, despite the striker hinting he was ready for a fresh start away from Old Trafford.
In an interview with Henry Winter published on Tuesday, Rashford said he was “ready for a new challenge” after 18 difficult months at his boyhood club.
The England international was left out of the Amorim squad, along with Alejandro Garnacho, for United's late 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City on Sunday.
Rashford has struggled to match the form he showed during Erik ten Hag's first season, when he scored 30 goals in 56 games in all competitions.
This season, the 27-year-old has scored four goals for the team in 15 Premier League appearances, level with captain Bruno Fernandes.
Rashford has also exceeded his expected goals (xG) by 3.3, while also boasting the best shot conversion rate (36.36) of anyone in United's squad in the top flight.
He only signed a new contract last year, which will keep him at Old Trafford until 2028. Amorim is keen for Rashford to stay for the long term as he looks to help him find his form.
“I have spoken to many players individually and during training. What I want is to get the best from Marcus Rashford,” Amorim said at a press conference.
“I don't talk about the future, I only talk about the present. I want the best from each of them.
“I just want to win and help the team get better. We are better with Marcus Rashford and it's that simple.
“We will try different things to get Rashford to the best level he has shown me in the past.”
Asked directly if he wanted the striker to stay, he added: “Of course, because this kind of club needs great talents and he is a great talent.
“He just has to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.
Rashford scored 138 goals in 426 appearances in all competitions for his boyhood club after bursting onto the scene in February 2016.
However, he has since been on a collision course with INEOS management and their 'clean culture' approach earlier this year after falling out with Ten Hag for a third time.
United prepare for an EFL Cup tie against Tottenham on Thursday before returning to domestic action at home to Bournemouth three days later.
The Red Devils next face Wolves and Newcastle United to close out 2024, and Amorim insisted the noise surrounding Rashford's future at the club will not impact his selection.
“She [players] are simpler than that. They concentrate on their work. I was a player and we are a bit selfish. It doesn't even have an impact on the team,” Amorim said.
“We have one more training, but it is the same situation as the other players. If they train well, then I have to make a choice.
“We'll see at the end of training. I expect the best from every player every day.”
When asked whether he would let Rashford leave in January, he said: “This is in the future, my focus is for all players to be at their best and be prepared for every game.”
Comments