Ruben Amorim has said Manchester United are “a better team” with Marcus Rashford and that they need to score more goals.
The England international has missed 11 straight games since being left out of the team for the victory over Manchester City on December 15.
The 27-year-old has been included in the squad just once in that period — against Newcastle United, where he was an unused substitute — and in an interview on December 17 said he was “ready for a new challenge”.
Rashford has been linked with a move away in January, with Barcelona among the clubs linked with a move.
The forward’s United contract runs until 2028 and he is among the club’s top earners, with his salary more than £325,000 per week.
GO DEEPER
Explained: Marcus Rashford’s transfer options, contract status and Man Utd’s position
Speaking ahead of United’s Europa League game against FCSB on Thursday, Amorim said that his team “needs” Rashford and that his exclusion is based on the head coach waiting on the player to make changes.
“We are a better team with Marcus Rashford, and that’s clear,” said Amorim. “He’s a big talent but until the right moment, I won’t change my mind, that’s all.
“You can look at our team and imagine the profile of the players. Now imagine a talent like Rashford? Our team should be so much better with Rashford. But he has to change.
“If he changes, we are more than welcome to put in a talent like Rashford. And we need it! In this moment, it is really clear that we have to set some standards, that’s all. We are waiting for Marcus, if he wants it really really bad.
“I have nothing against Marcus. I just have to make the same rules for everybody.”
After United’s 1-0 win over Fulham on Sunday, Amorim said that he wants to see more from Rashford in training and has stood firm on his decision to continue to exclude him from the squad.
“The reason is the training. I see what a footballer should do in training, in life,” Amorim said. “Is every day, every detail. So if things don’t change, I will not change.”
Rashford has made 426 appearances for United since breaking into the first team as a teenager in 2015 and has scored 138 goals for the club.
GO DEEPER
Marcus Rashford has missed five Manchester United games. What’s going on?
(Carl Recine/Getty Images)
