Amorim gives Rashford clear warning over chances at Man Utd if he stays

Ruben Amorim has refused to assure Marcus Rashford a first-team return should the forward remain at Manchester United.

Rashford trained with the senior squad ahead of United’s Europa League clash against Rangers but was notably absent from the matchday squad.

Instead, the 27-year-old watched from the stands as Bruno Fernandes sealed a late victory for the team.

With potential moves dwindling—Kyle Walker’s switch to Milan closing one such door—Rashford’s camp has suggested the England striker is prepared to fight for his future at Old Trafford.

However, Amorim remained non-committal when asked if Rashford would be reintegrated into the first team if he stayed.

“I don’t know. I really don’t know,” Amorim stated. “Guys, it’s eight days. We will see at the end of the window what happens. Then we will talk about it at that moment.”

Since voicing his desire for a fresh challenge, Rashford has been sidelined, not featuring on the pitch since being substituted early in the second half of United’s December 12 win over Viktoria Plzen.

Despite his £350,000-per-week wages, the striker has yet to reclaim his place under Amorim.

Meanwhile, Casemiro has faced a similar fate, being an unused substitute in 10 of United’s last 13 matches across all competitions.

The club reportedly hopes to offload the 32-year-old midfielder, but Amorim framed the decision as tactical.

“I have to choose the player with characteristics that I see are needed for the game,” Amorim explained.

“It’s just that. I want to play a style of game that is sometimes different from other coaches, and based on that, I have to make choices—that’s all.”

While Rashford and Casemiro remain in limbo, there is progress for Luke Shaw.

The England defender is nearing full fitness, and Amorim shared an optimistic update: “He’s going to be fit to train with the team, and then we have to start giving him small minutes.

"He has to do extra work to improve his fitness. It’s two weeks before we can start thinking about giving him a few minutes.”

As United prepare to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday night, Amorim faces a decision between goalkeepers.

Altay Bayindir performed admirably against Rangers, but Amorim clarified that Andre Onana’s benching was not a punishment for his error in the recent loss to Brighton.

“I thought about the [Onana] mistake and the message it might send to you guys and the fans,” Amorim explained.

“But the rotation was planned. We have two really good goalkeepers. They need time to play, they need space in the team, so this rotation was prepared.

"Altay is ready to help the team, and that’s the most important thing. It’s always an even fight.”

As the transfer window enters its final stretch, Amorim remains focused on navigating the challenges ahead, with questions surrounding key players adding to the complexity of United’s campaign.