RUBEN AMORIM SAID he would be happy for Marcus Rashford to stay at Manchester United after the homegrown star revealed he was ready for a “new challenge”.
The 27-year-old academy product has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for his boyhood club having burst onto the scene in February 2016.
But Rashford’s form has dropped dramatically over the past 18 months and he, along with Alejandro Garnacho, was omitted from the squad for Sunday’s 2-1 win against Manchester City.
Recently appointed Amorim’s bold derby decision was followed by an eye-catching interview with journalist Henry Winter on X in which the forward admitted he was ready to end his 20-year association with United.
Rashford’s striking comments were put to the head coach 14 hours later at a Wednesday morning press conference nominally previewing the Carabao Cup quarter-final at Tottenham.
“No (I’ve not spoken to him),” Amorim said. “Not yet. It was yesterday (when) I gave the day off to the lads, so he’s our player and he’s ready for the next game.”
Asked if he would be happy to keep the forward as part of his plans, the United boss said: “Of course, because this kind of club needs big talents and he’s a big talent.
“So, he just needs to perform at the highest level and that is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.
Best for Man United for him to leave. Best for Rashford for him to leave. Getting any club to pay his wages will be almost impossible. Rashford on loan with United paying half his wages is most likely scenario.
@Cricfo99: will probably be similar to Sancho where he leaves United, the constant abuse, and has an upturn in form.
Love to see the Rashford of 2/3 years ago, enjoying playing, taking on the full backs and running into the box, and that would be best for Utd. But unfortunately it’s been 2/3 years since we have seen that. Whether pressure in the club, media pressure or what he’s not enjoying playing for Utd. Best for him is to go abroad and get back playing. Look at McT in Italy. Loving life out there now.
All the chat in the media around Rashford and Garnacho being dropped before the city game, the pre-match press conference focused almost exclusively on that decision rather than the game itself.
Now the exact same story for the following mid week game because Rashford has made a decision to give an interview and continue to make the narrative about him. Not the first time his behaviour/talking off the pitch takes centre stage and never seems willing or capable of proving a point on it anymore. Sad to see as all United fans want to see him succeed at the club but this feels like the point of no return. Knows exactly what he is doing and clearly thinks he’s bigger than the club.
@Adam Pitts: pretty much spot on. He seems to think that he’s the victim or he’s being targeted because he’s been held to high standards, when in reality he should be holding himself to those high standards. A couple of managers now have had issues with him and rather than knuckling down, his first reaction is to jump ship. United should see him, no loan deal and having to pay half his wage. Sell, take the financial hit but set a standard for the current and future players.
@Paul Mallon: There’s no financial hit. Whatever they sell him for is pure profit because he’s an academy graduate.
Could see him going to someone like Chelsea