Amorim makes massive U-turn over Rashford as Man Utd striker linked with move

Ruben Amorim appears to have handed Marcus Rashford a final chance to revive his Manchester United career.

The 27-year-old forward has been heavily linked with an exit from Old Trafford after being frozen out by Amorim, who took charge in November.

Rashford has not featured for his boyhood club since December 12 and has once again been left out of United’s squad for their Europa League clash against Steaua București on Thursday night.

Speculation over his future has intensified, with Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, AC Milan, and Tottenham all reportedly interested.

Amorim previously sparked controversy by suggesting he would rather play his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach than a player who failed to meet his expectations in training—comments widely interpreted as a swipe at Rashford.

However, the Portuguese coach has now clarified his stance, insisting his remarks applied to all players and acknowledging that United are a better team with Rashford.

Speaking ahead of United’s upcoming match, Amorim left the door open for a Rashford return, but only if the forward changes his approach.

“The situation is the same for every player,” Amorim said in his pre-match press conference.

“My sentence was that I wouldn’t put any player that doesn’t give the maximum. I didn’t say only Marcus Rashford.

“We are a better team with him, that’s clear, but until the right moment, I won’t change my mind.

“If Rashford changes, we are more than happy to have him. But we have to set standards. It’s not personal. Imagine a talent like Rashford—our team should be so much better, but he has to change.

“If he changes, we will use a talent like Rashford, but at this moment, we have to set some standards.”

While Amorim may have extended an olive branch, Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes the damage has already been done, insisting there is "no way back" for Rashford at the club.

“If I was the player the manager said that about, my heart, my pride, my ego—it’s embarrassment,” Ferdinand said on his Rio Presents YouTube channel.

“For someone to question your application, to question you giving 100 per cent for the team, saying you’re lacking effort and taking shortcuts, that’s a damning comment.

“There’s no way back for Marcus after that. If he did come back, that means other players can take their foot off the gas and have a way back into the team and take shortcuts.”

With just days remaining in the transfer window, Rashford now faces a pivotal decision—fight for his place under Amorim or push for a move elsewhere.