Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has once again publicly criticized Marcus Rashford, making it clear that the forward will not return to the squad unless he improves his attitude and commitment.
Rashford, who has been frozen out for 11 consecutive games since a 2-1 Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen on December 12, continues to be omitted despite his undeniable talent.
Speaking ahead of United’s Europa League clash with Romanian side FCSB, Amorim delivered a brutal reality check for the 27-year-old forward.
“This Rashford Has to Change”
Amorim did not hold back when addressing Rashford’s ongoing exclusion, stressing that while the squad needs a player of his caliber, his current version is not good enough.
“Our team, you can look at our team and imagine the profile of the players. Now imagine a talent like Rashford,” Amorim told reporters on Wednesday.
“Our team should be so much better with Rashford. But this Rashford, he has to change.”
The Portuguese coach left no room for misinterpretation, challenging Rashford’s desire to fight for his place.
“If he changes, we are more than welcome to put a talent like Rashford [in the squad]. And we need it.”
“But in this moment, I think it’s really clear that we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Marcus, if he wants [to play] really, really bad.”
“I’d Rather Pick a 63-Year-Old Coach Than Rashford”
Amorim’s frustrations with Rashford’s standards have been boiling over for weeks, but his bluntest remark came after United’s 1-0 win over Fulham on Sunday.
The coach shockingly claimed that he would rather field goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital—who is 63 years old— than select Rashford in his current state.
“I Have Nothing Against Marcus”
Despite his strong words, Amorim denied that the issue is personal, instead reiterating his commitment to maintaining standards across the squad.
“That’s the only thing. You tried to make like something personally, I have nothing against Marcus,” Amorim explained.
“I just have to make the same rules for everybody and that for me it’s so simple, it’s always the same answer.”
Rashford’s Future Uncertain as Barcelona Interest Grows
Rashford’s exile has fueled intense speculation about his future at Old Trafford. Last week, reports had it that his representatives held face-to-face talks with Barcelona before the January transfer deadline about a potential summer move.
With United facing FCSB on Thursday as they aim to secure a top-eight finish in the Europa League league phase, it remains to be seen whether Rashford will ever work his way back into Amorim’s plans—or if his time at his boyhood club is nearing an unceremonious end.
