Concerns about Marcus Rashford's lifestyle away from football were behind Ruben Amorim's decision to drop him from the Manchester United squad, it has been claimed.
Rashford was surprisingly left out of the traveling squad for last month's Manchester derby and then missed a further three games before returning as an unused substitute for the defeat to Newcastle United last time out.
Amorim has repeatedly pointed out that Rashford could be forced back into the fold, challenging him to “i love it really bad“and”take responsibility“behind the scenes.
According to AthleticsAmorim first confronted Rashford over his lifestyle in early December after claiming he was seen in a nightclub less than 48 hours before he scored twice in a 4-0 win over Everton. The manager made it clear he doesn't want players going out to bars so close to games, but Rashford insisted Amorim was misinformed.
However, it turned on memories of Rashford's night in Belfast in Januarywhich saw him called in sick for a training session on Friday and initially try to pretend he was only out on Wednesday, only for evidence to show he was out on Thursday as well.
Rashford was initially relegated to the bench, with rotation cited as a factor, before a disappointing performance in a training session on December 14, shortly before the derby, further frustrated Amorim.
Some argued he looked tired and there were new claims Rashford had been out at a nightclub the night before the hearing. Rashford's entourage have vehemently denied the allegations, but Amorim took the decision to drop him from the squad and ramp up the pressure.
The road back to the team for Rashford has been prevented by a period of illness which will keep him out of Sunday's meeting with Liverpool, but Amorim continues to insist publicly that Rashford will return to his squad if he impresses in training.
Meanwhile, united remain open to offers for Rashford, who is believed to have rejected three major proposals from Saudi Arabiainsisting he will only leave Old Trafford for a club that can help him in his bid to get back into the England squad.