Lee Sharpe believes Marcus Rashford's big mistake was telling the press he wanted to leave Manchester United before speaking to Ruben Amorim privately.
Rashford, 27, was again left out of the side that secured an impressive 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield. Despite Amorim's insistence that illness kept the homegrown talent away from Merseyside, it was the sixth straight game without Rashford's involvement, having made just one appearance in the matchday squad in that period as an unused substitute against Newcastle last Monday.
Last month, the former England international gave an explosive interview to reporter Henry Winter in which he expressed his desire for a “new challenge” but left it unclear whether he was seeking a fresh start under a different manager or an outright departure from Old Trafford. He has not featured for United since the 2-1 away win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on December 12.
Looking back on everything that happened, Sharpe suspects that Rashford's vague comments and inability to confront Amorim face-to-face could be why he has been left at home or on the bench since then.
Speaking to William Hill, Sharpe said: “Yes, ideally you want to wait until the end of the season and then speak to the manager. But again, we don't know what exactly Marcus meant by wanting a new challenge.
“We can all speculate that it is time for him to leave Manchester United and take on a new challenge at a new club, but it could also mean a new challenge at Amorim and working to get back to his best.
“Amorim has said that a Manchester United team with Rashford is better with him, not without him, so there is motivation here for Rashford to return to his best form.”
Despite Rashford being left out of so many games, Amorim has made it clear that the striker still has a role to play at Old Trafford. Although he did not play, an olive branch appeared to be extended when Rashford was named on the bench for the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle – although he did not make the pitch despite United needing a goal.
Nevertheless, there are still links of a move away, with Napoli – who signed long-time teammate Scott McTominay in the summer – said to be interested. Despite these rumors, Amorim has insisted that Rashford is still within his plans.
Before the new year, Amorim said: “I have spoken to many players individually and during training. What I want is to get the best from Marcus Rashford. 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 as simple as that. We will try different things to get Rashford to the best level he has to show.” me in the past.”
Rashford could be needed for Amorim as United enter another busy period of the season. They face Arsenal in the third round of the FA Cup at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, before hosting Southampton in the Premier League in a must-win encounter on Thursday, May 16.
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