Ruben Amorim has reminded Marcus Rashford that he has a “big responsibility” to help turn Manchester United’s fortunes around amid his continued omission from matchday squads.
Rashford was initially dropped for the 2-1 victory in the Manchester derby on December 15, after which Amorim suggested the 27-year-old was not meeting the standards required of a United player.
In an interview with journalist Henry Winter, Rashford subsequently said he is “ready for a new challenge” and prepared to take the “next steps” in his career away from Old Trafford.
Rashford was then not selected for United’s subsequent defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth, despite being available to play.
When asked what he wants to see from Rashford in order for him to earn his place back, Amorim told a news conference: “Like any other player, the best that they can be.
“If you want to have big talent — big performance, big responsibility, big engagement, push forward everybody in this moment.
“Some guys have a big responsibility here because they’re here for a long time. This is maybe one of the lowest moments in our club so we have to face it and be strong in this moment. That’s what I want from every player on the team.”
GO DEEPER
Explained: Marcus Rashford’s transfer options, contract status and Man Utd’s position
Amorim said that he has spoken to Rashford but added that the pair are yet to address the comments about his future.
“(It is a) normal situation. When I feel it’s the right moment I’ll change something. Until then, I’ll continue to think (about) what is the best for the team,” he said.
“I speak with him every day. Not about the interview, about the performance.”
Amorim added: “It’s my decision. He wants to play. It’s my decision, only my decision. I spoke with a lot of players, individually and during training. I’m trying to do things my way and it’s the only way I know.
“If I don’t do that I will lose myself, and I will not lose myself. I know what I’m doing.”
GO DEEPER
Where Rashford and Garnacho are struggling on the pitch as Amad thrives under Amorim
United have suffered defeat in two of the three games since Rashford was first left out but Amorim insisted that the speculation over the Englishman’s future is not proving a distraction to the rest of the squad.
“Everybody is there every day in training so they understand and that is the key point. For the media and for the other people, I cannot control that but I’m really focused and they know.
“I’m so clear in my message, everybody in Carrington knows what I’m talking about and what I want from Marcus and everybody else.
“It’s not a distraction for us. Maybe it is for the media but that is not my concern.”
(Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
