Manchester United boss Amorim questions Rashford camp over new challenge comments

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim has questioned the decision-making of individuals close to forward Marcus Rashford, who has been absent from the team's last three games.

In Short

• Amorim questioned Rashford's advisors after 'new challenge' comments
• Rashford has scored three goals since Amorim took over last month
• Rashford out of United squad for key matches, sparking January exit rumours

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has publicly questioned the decision-making of individuals advising Marcus Rashford, following the forward's comments about being "ready for a new challenge." Rashford's remarks have fuelled speculation about his future at Old Trafford after being dropped for several key matches.

Rashford, 27, made the statement two days after being excluded from United's 2-1 derby win against Manchester City on December 15. The England international has since missed the Carabao Cup quarterfinal defeat to Tottenham and United's 3-0 Premier League loss to Bournemouth, intensifying rumours of a January departure.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Amorim expressed his concerns about external influences on the player. "It is a hard situation," Amorim said. "These players have a lot of people around them, making choices that are not always the player's first idea. The interview decision wasn't just Marcus's."

Rashford, who has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances since debuting for United in 2016, has struggled to maintain consistency in recent seasons. Although he netted 30 goals during the 2022-23 campaign, his form has dipped, drawing criticism from fans and pundits alike.

Despite the controversy, Amorim emphasised his commitment to helping Rashford regain form. "I am focused on improving Marcus," he said. "We need a talented guy like him. I forget the interview now and concentrate on what I see on the pitch."

Rashford has three goals since Amorim took over last month, but he was substituted in the 56th minute of their 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12, with fans booing the striker as he departed the pitch.

The Portuguese manager acknowledged the complexity of the situation but stressed that decisions about Rashford's future would be addressed internally. "For now, it's better for me and the club to deal with that when the time comes," he added.

United's loss to Bournemouth left them in 13th place heading into Christmas, their lowest position at this stage since 1986. Amorim's side faces a challenging festive schedule, with a Boxing Day trip to Wolves followed by a home match against Newcastle on December 30.

The club's precarious position has only heightened the spotlight on Rashford's form and future, with Amorim keen to balance player management and squad performance amid mounting pressure.

Marcus Rashford has firmly dismissed rumors suggesting he is seeking new representation to facilitate an exit from Manchester United, calling the claims “ridiculous”.

These reports suggested that the 27-year-old forward had met with a prominent sports agency in an attempt to accelerate a move away from Old Trafford.

Rashford’s comments come after a period of speculation regarding his future at United. Two weeks ago, he expressed a desire for “a new challenge and the next steps” following his omission from the squad for the Manchester derby, in which United secured a 2-1 victory over Manchester City.

Despite these statements, Rashford has been keen to quash any notion that he is actively seeking to leave by changing his representation.

His denial highlights his intention to confront the rumuors head-on, while he continues to focus on his career at Man United for now.

Rashford wrote on his Instagram account:

“Been a lot of false stories written over the past few weeks, but guys this is getting ridiculous – never met with any agency and don’t have any plans to…”

🚨❗️ Marcus Rashford on Instagram. pic.twitter.com/d17YWt9Duz

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 1, 2025