Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has stated that the club is “better” with Marcus Rashford, following comments from the forward suggesting he might leave Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old England international revealed on Tuesday that he was “ready for a new challenge and the next steps” in his career.
This statement came just two days after Rashford was left out of the squad for United’s derby victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Rashford’s most recent Premier League start was a 4-0 win against Everton on December 1, where he scored twice.
Amorim suggested the club want the striker – who came through United’s youth ranks – to stay, saying: “I don’t talk about the future, we talk about the present.
“This kind of club needs big talent 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.”
Asked about Rashford’s desire for a “new challenge”, Amorim said: “I think it’s right. We have here a new challenge, it’s a tough one.
“For me it’s the biggest challenge in football because we are in a difficult situation and I already said this is one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“I really hope all my players are ready for this new challenge.”
Amorim also stated that the club would “try different things” to help Rashford return to the “best levels he has shown in the past.”
Manchester United will face Tottenham in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup on Thursday.
When asked about the potential involvement of Rashford or winger Alejandro Garnacho—who was also omitted from the squad for the City match—Amorim declined to confirm whether either player would feature against Spurs.
“We have one more training session, but it’s the same situation [for] all the other players,” said Amorim.
“If they train well then I have to make a choice. We will see at the end of training.”