Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim insisted he would rather his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach play than Marcus Rashford as he took another swipe at the exiled striker’s training status.
Rashford was again left out of the squad in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Fulham and has not played for United since December 7, with the Red Devils ready to listen to offers for his services this month.
While Amorim had previously refused to close the door on Rashford’s possible return, he gave his harshest assessment yet of the striker after the final whistle when asked why he had not returned to the squad.
“It’s always the same reason,” Amorim began. “The reason is the training, the way I see what a footballer should do. In training, in life and in every day, in every detail. So if things don’t change, I won’t change.”
“It’s the same situation for every player. If you give the maximum, if you do the right things, we can use every player.”
“And you can see it on the bench today – we lack a bit of pace to change the game, to move some pieces, but I prefer that way. I will put that.” [goalkeeper coach Jorge] Important before I use a player who doesn’t max out every day, so I won’t change that.
Rashford did not respond to Amorim’s comments after the game, but did post on social media to congratulate his teammates on their win.
United are keen to find a buyer for Rashford, either permanently or temporarily, but the options available to the England international are limited and Barcelona are believed to be the only viable suitors ahead of the final week of the transfer window.
Barcelona are interested in signing Rashford on loan but will need to sell players to make room in their wage budget before they can make an offer.