Ruben Amorim has questioned the “choices” of those in Marcus Rashford’s camp as speculation over the forward’s future at Old Trafford intensifies.

The Manchester United boss questioned the decision of those close to Rashford after the 27-year-old revealed to journalist Henry Winter that he was “ready for a new challenge”.

The England international made the comments after being left out of the matchday squad for United’s 2-1 win over rivals Manchester City on 15 December.

Rashford then missed the 4-3 Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat by Tottenham and was also left out as United were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth on Sunday.

defeat#MUFC || #MUNBOU

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 22, 2024

Amorim’s side are currently 13th in the Premier League table as uncertainty grows over whether Rashford will remain a United player in January.

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

“I understand that there are a lot of people around these players, they make choices that are not the first thought of the player.

“They chose to do the interview because it’s not just Marcus.”

However, the Portuguese manager insisted he was still focused on his relationship with the player, adding that it was for Rashford and the club to “deal with it when the time comes”.

Amorim said: “At the moment I am focused on improving Marcus.

“We need someone as talented as Marcus. I forget the interview now and see what I see on the pitch.”

Since making his debut in 2016 after coming through the youth set-up, Rashford has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for United.

However, he has struggled for form over the past few seasons and his performances have drawn criticism from fans and pundits alike.

United face Wolves at Molineux on December 26 before hosting Newcastle four days later.