Ruben Amorim has insisted he wants Marcus Rashford to remain at Manchester United and return to his best form, despite the forward suggesting he is 'ready for a new challenge'. Rashford, 27, was left out of the matchday squad for Sunday's dramatic 2-1 win over Manchester City and has started only two of the last six games under Amorim.
Speaking ahead of Thursday's Carabao Cup clash with Tottenham, Amorim said he has not yet spoken to Rashford about his future. 'This kind of club needs big talent and he's a big talent,' Amorim stated. 'He just needs to perform at the highest level. That is my focus. I just want to help Marcus.'
Rashford scored in Amorim's first game in charge against Ipswich Town but has struggled for consistency, netting just 15 times in the 18 months since his best-ever season of 30 goals two years ago. On Tuesday night, he appeared to hint at a departure from Old Trafford, saying he was 'ready for a new challenge'.
Amorim responded by framing the current situation as a new challenge for all players. 'We have here a new challenge, it's a tough one, for me it's the biggest challenge in football,' he said. 'This is a really new challenge and the biggest one. I really hope all my players are ready for this new challenge.'
The Portuguese manager confirmed that Rashford could return to the squad for the Tottenham match, but a decision will be made after Wednesday's training. 'If they train well, then I have to make a choice,' Amorim added.
