Amorim: Rashford Wants To Play But It's My Decision. I Am Doing Things My Way

DEFIANT Ruben Amorim insists Marcus Rashford's absence is not a distraction and that he knows what he is doing as the head coach seeks to get the best out of the forward and turn Manchester United around.

- SIMON PEACH

Erik ten Hag's successor has had a topsy-turvy time since taking the reins, one epitomised by going from a late comeback win at Manchester City to a 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth the following Sunday. That week also saw United lose a chaotic Carabao Cup quarter-final 4-3 at Tottenham and scrutiny over the future of homegrown star Rashford, who was omitted from the matchday squad for all three of those games.

The 27-year-old fuelled speculation by admitting he was "ready for a new challenge" in a midweek interview, meaning the England international remained a hot topic ahead of the Boxing Day trip to Wolves.

"Normal situation," Amorim said. "When I feel that it's the right moment I will change something. Until then I will continue to think what is the best for the team.

"I speak with him every day. Not about the interview, about the performance."

Amorim confirmed that Rashford "wants to play, he is trying" but "it's my decision, only my decision".

"I spoke with a lot of players - individually, during training - so I'm trying to do things... I am doing things my way," the recently appointed head coach said. "And it's the only way I know.