Amorim questions ‘options’ of people close to United’s forwards

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

The Manchester United boss questioned the decision-making of those close to Rashford after the 27-year-old revealed to journalist 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 15 December.

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

A loss.#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 tough situation,” Amorim told Sky Sports.

“I understand that these players have many people around them, they make choices that are not the first idea from the player.

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

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

Amorim said: “At the moment he is focused on Marcus’s improvement.

“We need a talented man like Marcus. I’ll forget the interview now and see what I see on the pitch.”

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 over the past few seasons and his performances have drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike.

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