Manchester United: Ruben Amorim sets challenge to Marcus Rashford over squad exile | OneFootball

The forward hasn’t featured since the Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen

Ruben Amorim says Marcus Rashford's exile from Manchester United matchday squads will continue until the "right moment", but has offered hope to the forward over a return.

The Portuguese tactician left the 27-year-old - as well as Alejandro Garnacho - at home for the 2-1 derby-day win over Manchester City, explaining it was a technical decision not based on injury or indiscipline.

Though whilst the Argentina international earned an immediate recall for the Carabao Cup quarter-final loss at the hands of Tottenham and then the Premier League defeat against Bournemouth at the weekend, the United no.10 remains on the sidelines.

Confirming that Rashford “wants to play” ahead of Man United’s Boxing Day clash against Wolves, Amorim has given a clear indication that he will continue to not consider the forward in his selection process.

“Normal situation. When I feel that it is the right moment, I will change something,” he told reporters. “Until then, I will continue to think what is the best for the team.”

Absent: Marcus Rashford has been left out of the last three Manchester United matchday squads.

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Amorim then dismissed the notion that Rashford’s situation could become a distraction for the rest of the squad.

“No, I don’t think so. Not for me, not for the other players, because everybody is there every day during training so they understand and that is the key point,” Amorim added.

“For the media and for the other people, I cannot control that but I’m really focused and they know I’m so clear in my message, everybody in Carrington knows what I’m talking about and what I want from Marcus and everybody else.

Amid talk of Rashford moving on in the January transfer window, Amorim has revealed the conditions for the forward to have a role to play under him.

“Like any other player, the best that they can be,” the Man United boss stated. “If you have big talent, big performance, big responsibility, big engagement, like push forward everybody.

“In this moment some guys have a big responsibility here because they are here for a long time.

“So, this is maybe one of the lowest moments in our club so we have to face it and be strong in this moment - that’s what I want from every player in the team.”