Ruben Amorim has emphasized the importance of Marcus Rashford stepping up as a leader to help Manchester United navigate through one of the most challenging periods in the club’s history. The manager has called on the forward to deliver his best performances and take responsibility for lifting the team. Despite recent absences from match-day squads due to training performances and selection reasons, Rashford remains determined to contribute to the team.
Amorim’s team faces Wolves on Boxing Day following a Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham and a disheartening 3-0 loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford. The club is currently 13th in the Premier League after 17 matches, marking their first bottom-half position on Christmas Day since 1989. Amorim sees this as a crucial moment for long-serving players like Rashford, who has been with the club since the age of seven, to show their leadership and influence.
The manager urged players to embrace their responsibilities during this difficult time, stating that every individual needs to maximize their potential and lead by example. He highlighted the need for talent to translate into impactful performances and for players to push the team forward with commitment and determination.
Amorim also addressed recent comments made by Rashford, who expressed a desire for a “new challenge” in an interview. While some questioned the timing and implications of these remarks, Amorim clarified that Rashford is eager to return to the squad and is working hard to earn his place. The manager reiterated that team decisions are based on what is best for the group and that he will reintroduce Rashford when the time is right.
Despite the external attention surrounding Rashford’s situation, Amorim downplayed its impact on the team, explaining that players and staff remain focused on daily training and collective goals. He admitted that controlling media narratives is beyond his reach but emphasized the importance of maintaining internal unity and understanding.
The manager revealed that he has not held any specific one-on-one discussions with Rashford about the interview but speaks with him regularly about his performance. Amorim prefers to address issues through his established methods, staying true to his approach to avoid losing focus or consistency in his management style.
Reflecting on the team’s struggles, Amorim acknowledged the challenges and the responsibility he bears as the head coach. With two wins and three losses in his six league matches in charge, he admitted the difficulty of the situation but stressed the importance of not allowing such underperformance to become normalized. He expressed frustration over the current state of affairs but remained confident in his ability to address the issues step by step.
As he spoke during a press conference, a leak in the media room’s ceiling symbolized the broader issues facing the club. Amorim humorously pointed out the leak, suggesting that solving the team’s problems would also address such symbolic challenges. Despite his frustration, he maintained a clear vision for moving forward, emphasizing the need for gradual improvements and a commitment to ensuring such struggles do not recur.
Amorim also recognized the fans’ dissatisfaction and pledged to fight for better results. He stressed the importance of focusing on the present while working toward a more stable and successful future for the club.
