Ruben Amorim admits Manchester United are going through “perhaps one of their lowest moments” and called on everyone – including exiled Marcus Rashford – to “be strong in the moment”.

United were thrashed 3-0 by Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday and remain 13th in the Premier League table, while Amorim’s side face Wolves on Boxing Day, having lost their last four games. Lost three games in the match.

Meanwhile, former Manchester United talisman Rashford has been left out of the squad for the past three games and gave an explosive interview last week announcing he was looking for a “new challenge”.

Asked whether the Rashford legend was in danger of being a distraction, Amorim said: “No, I don’t think so. Not for me, not for other players.”

“Because everyone is there every day during training. They understand. That’s the key point. I can’t control that with the media and other people.

“But I’m really focused and they know my message is very clear. Everyone at Carrington knows what I’m talking about and what I want from Marcus and the rest of the guys. It’s not going to be a distraction for us. Attention, maybe media attention but that’s not what I care about.”

Asked what he wanted to see from Rashford, Amorim replied: “Like any other player, they can do their best.

“If you have great talent, great performance, great responsibility, push everyone in this moment. Some guys have a lot of responsibility here because they’ve been here a long time.

“This is probably one of our lowest moments as a club, so we have to face it and stay strong in this moment. That’s what I expect from every player in the team.”

Amorim: I know what I’m doing

Rashford was omitted from United’s matchday squad for the first time ahead of the Manchester derby victory on December 15, and Amorim has confirmed the striker wants to feature for the club, but the Portuguese boss remains firm on his decision.

“Yes, it was my decision,” Amorim said. “He wants to play, he’s working hard, but it’s my decision, just my decision.

“I’ve spoken to a lot of players individually and during training. I’m doing it in my own way, it’s the only way I know. If I don’t do it I’ll lose myself and I don’t want to lose myself. I Know what I’m doing.”

Rashford was a key figure under former manager Erik ten Hag and Amorim claims he cannot blame the Dutchman’s dominance for the team’s current struggles in the Premier League.

The hole in the ceiling of the press room during Amorim’s press conference after the Bournemouth game epitomized United’s woes, with the Portuguese coach even using the comical moment to claim he could turn around the club’s fortunes.

“That’s a hard question to answer, and we have to know: Don’t let this become the norm,” he said.

“I know it’s a difficult moment and it’s my responsibility. From the first day I arrived it was my responsibility because I was responsible for the team.

“We can’t think like that, we have to think about improvements, understand the context and not focus on what happened in the past. This is what it is now and what we have to do in the future is (not to let this happen) again.”

“If I had known, I would have solved all the problems at the club, even this one.

“I knew what I was going to do, it was very clear to me and that’s why I felt like I was so – I wouldn’t say relaxed because I was really frustrated – but I knew what to do.

“But we have to solve the problem step by step and find the answers to everything, but this is a very difficult moment and we understand the fans and we will fight for it.”

Amorim’s passionate message to Manchester United fans

Amorim also spoke of the “anxiety” of United fans around Old Trafford during the defeat to Bournemouth, but said he could not blame fans in the stands for “doing everything right”.

The 39-year-old also admitted he understands the frustration and disappointment expressed by his players.

“I can’t say anything better for the fans,” he said. “What I want to say to the fans is this: We understand. As a coach, I understand. I understand the moment, the frustration and the disappointment. I understand.”

“We will improve and it will take time. I said the same thing after we beat Everton and people were talking about the top four. So I know it will be very difficult but it is important for us to be here On the other hand, to say that we understand the supporters, I understand.

“Their support for us has been unbelievable. We’re going through a season we haven’t seen in many years and we know that. The only thing is to face it and prepare for the next game like we won – if you can say that – Then try to win a game again.

“It’s just our help. They need our help, not the other way around. They’re doing everything right.”