Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim saw his press conference dominated by Marcus Rashford questions.
Ruben Amorim selected a 21-man squad for Manchester United’s trip to Romania to face FCSB.
And in his press conference, questions were focused on one of the players not included on the trip, Marcus Rashford.
It’s all getting a little predictable by now – but Ruben Amorim had a few interesting things to clarify about the forward.
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Ruben Amorim clarifies comments
Following Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Fulham, Ruben Amorim expressed that he would rather play his goalkeeping coach than a player who did not apply maximum effort.
Speaking at the presser, Amorim was keen to clarify that his comments were not deliberately targeted at Rashford – even though they could be applied.
He said: “In the last game, my sentence was that I will not put any player in who won’t give the maximum. I didn’t say I would not put Marcus Rashford in.
“It’s the same situation. When I feel it’s the right moment, I will put any player in to play again.”
This could be a little damage limitation with Rashford currently no closer to a transfer move – days away from the deadline.
Amorim rates Rashford’s talent
Despite previously expressing doubts over Marcus Rashford’s ability to lead the line, the Manchester United head coach insists he has a better team, at present, with the player.
And this may say a lot about the dismal displays of goalshy forwards Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee – but it’s notable all the same.
He said: “We are a better team with Marcus Rashford. That is clear. he is a big talent but, until the right moment, I will not change my mind. That is all. Always the same answer.
“It’s the same thing for everybody. Some players that don’t play – Rashford is not selected and that is my choice.”
- READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date
It’s all on Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford was dropped for the Manchester derby along with Alejandro Garnacho for disciplinary reasons.
Amorim said he had a path back to the team – and Rashford responded a few days later by speaking to the press, saying he wanted a new challenge.
He has featured in only one squad since, as a substitute, no times at all in 2025 and has not travelled to Romania.
Amorim has once again put the ball in Rashford’s court, with the compliments about his ability, leaving the door open, making clear he must put in the effort.
He said: “Imagine a profile of the players now, imagine a talent like Marcus Rashford. The team should be so much better with Marcus Rashford but he has to change.
“If he changes, we are more than welcome to put a talent like Marcus Rashford and we need it. In this moment, I think it’s really clear, I have to set some standards, that is all.
“You try to make it something personal but it is nothing against Marcus. I just have to make the same rules for everybody. For me, it’s so simple and always the same.”
Manchester United fans not so long ago held up a banner demanding ‘standards’ from the players, and Amorim is delivering, demanding high intensity and high focus. Few can argue with his judgment.
Amorim’s comments are an invitation to Rashford to re-focus, and re-apply himself and fight for his place. If he has any fight left in him at this club.
Marcus Rashford transfer latest
Marcus Rashford has been made available for loan, with a potential sale benefitting the club financially.
No deals have been struck to date, and Rashford’s future could go right down to the wire on transfer deadline day on February 3.
United In Focus understands via transfer insider Graeme Bailey that an approach was made to Rashford’s representatives this week, again, from a Saudi Pro League club.
Rashford’s camp made clear they did not intend to listen to the offers, and it progressed no further, with no contact made between the two clubs.
Teams in Italy, Spain and Germany have been in touch over Rashford, with complications over image rights delaying and threatening to scupper his potential exit.
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