Amorim: Rashford absence not a distraction for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim is confident Marcus Rashford's exile will not be a distraction for his Manchester United teammates. He reveals he has not spoken to the attacker about his recent comments suggesting he wants to leave.

Rashford was absent from United's squad for the third matchday in a row on Sunday, as the team suffered a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford.

Since Rashford made his competitive debut, no player has scored more Premier League goals for United than the England international (87), while also providing 40 assists, meaning he leads the league in terms of total goals contributions (147).

However, Rashford has scored just 11 goals in 48 league appearances since the start of last season, with his performances under former boss Erik ten Hag drawing fierce criticism.

After being called off for United's 2-1 derby win over Manchester City earlier this month, Rashford said in an interview with Henry Winter that he was “ready for a new challenge”.

Amorim has not discussed these comments with Rashford and he remains adamant that his decision to ban him is in the best interests of the team.

“If I feel this is the right time, I will make a change. Until then, I will continue to think about what is best for the team,” Amorim said of Rashford's absence.

“I talk to him every day, not about the interview but about the performance. It's my decision. He wants to play. He's trying. It's my decision, only my decision.”

“I try to do things my way. It's the only way I know… if I don't, I'll lose myself and not lose myself. I know what I'm doing.”

Asked if the saga could be a distraction for anyone else at Old Trafford, Amorim said: “It's not for me.

“Not for the other players, because everyone is there every day in training, they understand that. That is the most important point. For the media and for the 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.

“So it's not a distraction for us, maybe it is for the media, but that's not my concern.”

Rashford looks likely to miss again when United visit Wolves on Boxing Day. The Red Devils have won seven of their last eight league games against Wolves, although their upcoming opponents are unbeaten in their last seven league games on Boxing Day (five wins, two draws).

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