Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim admitted he wants Marcus Rashford to stay at Old Trafford after the England attacker who came through the youth ranks, suggested he could exit the club in search of a “new challenge”.
The 27-year-old, who was left out of the Red Devils’ squad to face rivals Manchester City, has notched 138 goals in 426 games for United since his debut in 2016.
However, he has consistently struggled to replicate good form over the last year and a half, also leading to him losing his place in England’s Euros squad over summer.
Amorim’s gutsy decision to leave Rashford out of the team against City was followed by the player’s interview with British journalist Henry Winter on social media as the forward said he is ready to end his 20-year stay at the club.
“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,” said Amorim when quizzed about Rashford’s comments.
Asked if he would be happy to retain Rashford in his squad, Amorim insisted he would want to.
“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.”
Amorim also added that the “new challenge” Rashford spoke of could be existent at Old Trafford in trying to resurrect the glory of United, once being the dominant force in English football, but now a lowly 13th in the Premier League standings.
“We have here a new challenge, it’s a tough one,” he continued.
“For me, it’s the biggest challenge in football because we are in a difficult situation and I already said that this is one of the biggest clubs in the world.
“So, this is a really new challenge and the biggest one. I hope all my players are ready for this new challenge.”
