Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim insists there is “nothing personal” with out-of-favour Marcus Rashford but the forward “has to change” if he is to be part of his plans.
Seven speculation-filled weeks have passed since the 27-year-old last played for his boyhood club in the Europa League trip to Viktoria Plzen.
Rashford’s wait for an appearance continues when United head to Romania to face FCSB in the Europa League on Thursday after he was omitted from the 21-man squad despite the forward training with his team-mates on the eve of the match.
Rashford trained on Wednesday but is not part of the squad to face FCSB
Amorim said on Sunday after the 1-0 win at Fulham he would rather have United’s 63-year-old goalkeeping coach in his squad than Rashford.
There had been reports this week that Amorim and Rashford were no longer on speaking terms.
Amorim said at his pre-match press conference on Wednesday: “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.
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Henry Winter provides the latest update on Rashford and whether an exit from Manchester United is imminent
“In this moment, I think it’s really clear that we have to set some certain standards.
“We are waiting for Marcus, if he wants it really, really bad.
“You try to make it something personal but it’s not personal, I have nothing against Marcus. I have to make the same rules for everybody and that for me it’s so simple, it’s always the same.”
Amorim: It is clear we’re better with Rashford
Amorim continued to be pressed about Rashford in Bucharest as Monday’s transfer deadline edges closer.
The England international last month revealed he was “ready for a new challenge”, but few clubs offer an obvious landing spot thanks in no small part to his wages.
Amorim said: “The situation is the same for every player and the last time I talked about that in the last game my sentence was that I will not put any player that doesn’t give the maximum.
“I didn’t say I will not put Marcus Rashford so it’s the same situation. When I feel that it’s the right moment, I will put any player to play.
“We are a better team with Rashford and that is clear. He’s a big talent but until the right moment I will not change my mind, that’s all and it’s always the same answer.”
Asked whether it was disappointing that his message was not getting through to Rashford, Amorim replied: “I promised today that I will not give you nothing on Rashford.
“I’m giving you a little bit. It’s the same thing. We need goals, we need one against ones, we need threat in the final third.”
Could Barcelona sign Rashford?
Rashford’s preference is still to move to Barcelona – but they have yet to make any formal arrangements to take him on loan from Manchester United.
The Spanish giants are struggling to create salary space as contract renewals increase their wage bill, with fringe players like Ansu Fati and Andreas Christensen not wanting to leave the club in this window.
Sources in Spain say Rashford is willing to reduce his salary if it can make a deal happen.
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The Transfer Show panel discuss Marcus Rashford’s current situation at Manchester United
Barca’s priority, however, is to sort out the remainder of their new contracts – Pedri and Gavi prime among them, while stars like Robert Lewandowski have automatic extension clauses.
Head coach Hansi Flick has not pushed for new signings, with Rashford viewed by the club as a supplement to the superb attacking trio of Lewandowski, Yamine Lamine and Raphinha – a rotation option in a packed schedule.
Barca are set to land funds from Saudi Arabia for Unai Hernandez and other youth prospects, and if a move for Rashford is pursued, it is set to be in the closing days of the window.
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