Amorim questions the ‘choices’ of people close to the United striker

Ruben Amorim has questioned the “options” of those in Marcus Rashford’s camp as speculation mounts over the striker’s future at Old Trafford.

The Manchester United manager questioned the decision-making of those close to Rashford after the 27-year-old revealed to reporter Henry Winter that he is “ready for a new challenge”.

The England international made the comments after being left out of the matchday squad for United’s 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City on December 15.

Rashford subsequently missed the 4-3 Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by Tottenham and was also left out as United went down 3-0 to Bournemouth on Sunday.

defeat#MUFC || #MUNBOU

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 22, 2024

Amorim’s side are currently 13th in the Premier League table as uncertainty grows over whether Rashford will remain a United player in January.

“It’s a difficult situation,” Amorim told Sky Sports.

“I understand that these players have a lot of people around them, making decisions that are not the player’s first idea.

“They chose to do the interview because it’s not just Marcus.”

However, the Portuguese manager insisted he is still focused on his relationship with the player and added that Rashford and the club “deal with it when the time comes”.

Amorim said: “Right now I’m focused on getting Marcus better.

“We need a talented guy like Marcus. Now I forget about the interview and see what I see on the field.”

Since making his debut in 2016 after coming through the youth set-up, Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for United.

However, he has struggled for form in recent seasons and his performances have attracted criticism from fans and pundits alike.

United face Wolves at Molineux on December 26 before hosting Newcastle four days later.