Ruben Amorim has made it clear that Marcus Rashford will remain on the sidelines until he starts meeting the expectations required of a Manchester United player.
The England forward has been dropped from the squad for the last three games, including crucial fixtures against Manchester City, Tottenham, and Bournemouth.
Amorim explained that Rashford’s omission from the team was based on his performances in training, rather than his controversial interview, where he hinted at wanting to leave the club.
Amorim stated that he is focused on what is best for the team and will not compromise on his principles.
“When I feel that it is the right moment I will change something until then I will continue to think about what is the best for the team,” Amorim said.
“I speak with him every day, not about the interview but about the performance. It’s my decision. He wants to play. He is trying. It’s my decision, only my decision.”
“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.”
The 27-year-old has faced mounting scrutiny after being dropped for United’s recent defeats, but Amorim made it clear that his return to the first team will depend on his ability to show the necessary commitment and performance levels.
“Be the best that he can be,” Amorim said when asked what Marcus Rashford needs to do to get back in the squad.
“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.”
“So 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 for every player on the team.”
Commenting on the intense media focus on Rashford’s exclusion, Amorim insists the situation has not been a distraction within the team.
“It’s not [a distraction] for me,” said Amorim. “Not for the other players because everybody is there every day during training, they understand.”
“That is the key point. For the media and for the other people I cannot control that.”
United will hope to bounce back from back-to-back defeats when they face Wolves on Boxing Day.
However, Amorim’s message to Rashford is clear: only when the forward meets the club’s high standards will he be considered for a return to the starting XI.
