“We are a better team with Marcus” – Ruben Amorim gives Rashford lifeline amidst reinstatement talk

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim insists he has no personal beef with Marcus Rashford, but is simply applying his own rules.

The 27-year-old hasn’t featured in any of the club’s last 11 outings across all competitions. The Portuguese manager cited the player’s lack of effort in training as the main reason behind his decision.

Amorim also raised eyebrows following Sunday night’s victory over Fulham by saying he’d rather field his 63-year-old goalkeeper’s coach Jorge Vital at this point. Nevertheless, the manager clarified his comment in his latest press conference, insisting he was referring to players who do not show enough effort and determination rather than making a personal jibe at Rashford’s expense.

Therefore, Amorim has seemingly opened the door for the striker’s return, but only if the latter shows how much he wants to contribute to the team’s cause.

“In this moment, I think it’s really clear that we have to set some certain standards,” said the Portuguese tactician in his pre-match press ahead of Thursday’s Europa League contest against FCSB (via Sky Sports).

“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.”

Ruben Amorim extends olive branch to Marcus Rashford

“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. 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.”

Amorim’s interesting statements come following growing speculations regarding Rashford’s potential reinstatement, especially amidst the lack of options on the market.