Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has questioned the “choices” of people close to forward Marcus Rashford.

Marcus Rashford, 27, announced he was “ready for a new challenge” after being dropped for the 2-1 win at Manchester City on 15 December. Following this, Rashford missed the 4-3 Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by Tottenham and United’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on Sunday. Speculation arose that he might leave Old Trafford in January.

“It’s a hard situation,” Ruben Amorim told Sky Sports.

“I understand these players have many people around them, making decisions not originating from the player.”

“They decided to do the interview, and it’s not just Marcus.”

Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for United since his debut in 2016. He emerged from the club’s youth ranks. Despite scoring 30 goals in all competitions in 2022-23, Rashford struggled for form in three of the previous four seasons. Pundits and fans criticized his laboured performances.

Amorim said he could “separate” the decisions of Rashford’s advisors from his relationship with the player.

“Right now, I’m focused on improving Marcus,” he added.

“We need a talented guy like Marcus. I forget the interview and focus on his performance on the pitch.”

Regarding Rashford’s future, Amorim stated it was for him and the club “to address when the time comes.”

United’s defeat by Bournemouth placed them 13th in the Premier League before Christmas. This marks their lowest position at this stage since they were 15th in 1986, early in Sir Alex Ferguson’s reign as manager.

Amorim’s team will face Wolves at Molineux on 26 December before hosting Newcastle on 30 December.