Manchester United boss offers striker support but also questions 'choices'

Ruben Amorim has offered his support to Marcus Rashford - but has also questioned the ‘choices’ of the people surrounding him.

Amorim dropped the forward once again for the visit of Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon and reiterated the decision was solely his, rather than one made higher up. Amorim is still waiting to see an adequate response from the 27-year-old if he is to earn a place in the squad.

Rashford was not included in the matchday squad against Man City a week ago, or against Spurs on Thursday night and was once again left out due to 'selection' reasons at the weekend. Amorim has reiterated there is no disciplinary matter concerning Rashford's recent omission from the matchday squad and that his absence is only due to performance issues amid a fierce competition for places.

In the days leading up to the defeat to Spurs, academy graduate Rashford revealed in an interview that he was “ready for a new challenge and the next steps”.

Speaking to Sky Sports on Monday, Amorim added: “It is a hard situation but I understand that this kind of player have a lot of people around them, and making some choices that sometimes is not the first idea from the player. So I understand I can separate things. I’m always here for helping Marcus as another player and they have to do what they have to do.

“I say they chose to do that interview because it’s not just Marcus. I understand that so for me as a coach I’m just focused on the performance, the way he trains. The rest, I think, is better for me and the club to deal with that when the times comes.

“At the moment I’m just focused on improving Marcus. We need a lot in this moment, talented guy like Marcus, and I forget for now the interview. I just see what I see on the pitch.”

On Sunday Amorim reiterated the decision to drop Marcus Rashford was 'his decision' after the Manchester United forward was omitted from the third successive matchday squad. The head coach made six changes from the side that lost to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup in midweek, with Rashford once again excluded for the visit of Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.

United travel to Wolves on Boxing Day for the teatime festive kick-off. United will be 13th in the Premier League at Christmas with a minus-goal difference as well.