RUBEN AMORIM launched a scathing attack on Marcus Rashford by claiming he would rather call his goalkeeping coach a Manchester United substitute.
Rashford was once again left out of Amorim's squad for last night's win over Fulham, thanks to Lisandro Martinez's deflected strike.
The boss slammed Rashford's lack of effort in training and said 63-year-old Jorge Vital would offer him more than the striker.
Asked about Rashford's absence, Amorim said: “I would put Vital on the bench for a player who doesn't give his best every day. I won't change in that department.
“It's always the same reason. The reason is the training. The way I see what a footballer has to do in training, in life, every day. If things don't change, I won't change.
“Same situation for every player. If you do the maximum, if you do the right things, we can use every player.
“You can see it on the bench today. We needed speed to change the game, to move some pieces, but I prefer it that way.”
Rashford has been a loan target for Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and AC Milan, although he would prefer a move to cash-strapped Barcelona.
He has not played for Amorim since the 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12 and has not been part of a squad since the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle on December 30.
Rashford posted on Instagram after Sunday's win: “Congratulations on the win guys.”
Martinez got a deflected winner in the 78th minute to move United up to 12th.
But fans turned on co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who sat in the stands at Craven Cottage and chanted: “Just like the Glazers, Jim Ratcliffe's ac****”.
Ratcliffe increased Old Trafford ticket prices for members to £66 in December – including children and OAPs – and said it made no sense for Fulham to charge more than United.
Incredibly, Fulham charged up to £150 for tickets yesterday, with dozens of Red Devils fans celebrating Martinez's goal in the home sections.
Ratcliffe has been trying to generate more revenue as United battles to stay in line with profit and sustainability rules.
Asked about transfer plans after last night's win, boss Ruben Amorim admitted he “needs a lot of help to improve”.
But he said: “We have to be careful. We have to follow the rules and we have made mistakes in the past that we can't make anymore, we have to focus on the team. We have to focus on the players we have.
“We lack speed and strength up front. We need to create more chances, we struggle a lot with these details, but we need a lot of help to improve.”
“Not a great match, no great chances. We tried to control our game and play our game, but we still have a lot to improve.”
Fulham chief Marco Silva said: “It was brutal for us – their first shot was in the 78th minute. It was a really happy goal. The result was unfair.”
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