Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has revealed that he “definitely” wants Marcus Rashford to stay at Old Trafford.
The mercurial striker has endured mixed form of late. Despite scoring three goals in six appearances since Amorim's mid-season arrival, Rashford was has surprisingly fallen for United's derby win over Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.
The Portuguese coach explained that Rashford's absence – along with his striker Alejandro Garnacho – was not a disciplinary measure, but highlighted the importance of “how you dress, how you eat, how you engage with your teammates and push your teammates”.
Rashford had backed his side on social media over the weekend but broke his silence on one shocking interview released Tuesday evening. The United academy graduate admitted he is “ready for a new challenge” and spoke of “when I leave” rather than “if”.
In his pre-match press conference ahead of the Carabao Cup quarter-final against United Tottenham Hotspur on Thursday, Rashford was the first, second and third topic of discussion.
Asked bluntly if he wants the Englishman to stay, despite rumors of one Possible January releaseAmorim revealed: “Of course because this kind of club needs big talent and he is a big talent. He just has to perform at the highest level and that's my focus. I just want to help Marcus.”
of united The boss added: “We're better with Marcus Rashford and it's as simple as that. We're going to try different things to push Rashford to the best levels he's shown me in the past.”
Rashford has been training with the squad and Amorim admitted he could be involved in the midweek trip to Tottenham Hotspur's stadium: “He is our player and he is ready for the next game.”
ACTIvE Rashford's comments about a “new challenge”, Amorim hit back: “He is right. We have a new challenge here, the biggest in football, we are in a difficult situation. I hope all my players are ready”.
Amorim simply summed up his stance on the hot topic: “What I want is to get the best of Marcus Rashford. I don't talk about the future, only the present.”