by Ruben Amorim has questioned the ‘choices’ of those surrounding Marcus Rashford while offering his support for the Manchester United striker.
Rashford missed a third successive game on Sunday as United crashed to a 3-0 Premier League home defeat to Bournemouth, with the 27-year-old also omitted during a 2-1 win in the derby at Manchester City and during the 4-3 Carabao on Thursday. Defeat in the Cup quarter-final at Tottenham.
Two days before the Spurs defeat, Rashford had said in an eye-catching interview that he was “ready for a new challenge and the next steps” in a career that began at United’s academy.
“It’s a difficult situation but I understand that this kind of player is surrounded by a lot of people and makes choices that sometimes are not the player’s first idea,” United boss Amorim told Sky Sports on Monday .
“So I understand that I can separate things. I’m always there to help Marcus as an extra player and they have to do what they have to do.
“I say they chose to do this interview because it’s not just about Marcus. I understand that, so for me as a coach I just focus on the performance, the way he trains.
“The rest, I think, is best for me and the club to deal with when the time comes.
“Right now I’m just focusing on Marcus’ improvement.
“We need a lot right now, (from a) talented guy like Marcus, and I’m forgetting the interview for now. I just see what I see on the ground.
United’s defeat to the Cherries – their second defeat in a row at Old Trafford – left them 13th in the Premier League at Christmas.
The Amorim side return to action against Wolves on Boxing Day before hosting Newcastle next Monday.
