Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim says Marcus Rashford is desperate to make his comeback.
Rashford, who has missed United’s last three matches, stirred speculation about his future at Old Trafford after an interview where he expressed a desire for a “new challenge” following two decades with the club.
However, Amorim has since clarified that Rashford wants to play but will not be included until he meets the required training standards.
Amorim said during his press conference that the decision lies solely with him.
He said: “Yeah, it’s my decision. He wants to play. He is trying. It’s my decision, only my decision.
“(There’s) no situation. When I feel that is the right moment, I will change something. Until then I will continue to think about what is the best for the team.
“I spoke with a lot of players individually during training, so I’m trying to do things my way – and it’s the only way I know.
💬 Ruben has a message for our supporters ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Wolves.#MUFC || #PL
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 24, 2024
“If I don’t do that, I will lose myself, and I will not lose myself. I know what I’m doing.”
Despite Rashford’s comments in the interview and the attention it has garnered, Amorim dismissed the idea that the issue is affecting the team.
“No, I don’t think so,” he added. “Not for me and not for the other players because everybody is there every day during training. They understand. That is the key point.
“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.
“So it’s not a distraction for us. Maybe it is for the media, but that is not my concern. For the media and for the other people, I cannot control that.”
When asked about his discussions with Rashford and what he expects from the forward in training, Amorim replied: “Like any other player, the best that they can be.
“If you have big talents, big performance, big responsibility, big engagement, push forward everybody in this moment. And some guys have a big responsibility here because they are here for a long time.”
“I speak with him every day, not about the interview but about the performance.”
Amorim acknowledged the current challenges facing the club, describing it as “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 for every player on the team.”
As Manchester United prepare for their Boxing Day clash against Wolves, Amorim has left the door open for Rashford’s return but offered no guarantees.
The forward remains sidelined unless Amorim decides he is ready to rejoin the squad.
