Ruben Amorim reveals how Marcus Rashford can win back his place at Man United – and insists his team-mates ‘understand’ exactly why the star has been frozen out

It has been two years since Marcus Rashford was dropped by Erik ten Hag at Wolves after being late for a team meeting, and came on to score the only goal in Manchester United’s win.

Ten Hag hoped Rashford had learned his lesson and there would not be any more problems regarding the player’s attitude and discipline.

However, United return to Wolves on Wednesday with Rashford again the main topic of conversation and no such straightforward path to redemption.

Ten Hag’s successor Ruben Amorim has left Rashford out of the last three games over his performance levels in training. 

The player’s claim in an interview that he is ready for a new challenge has done little to quell doubts over his future.

Amorim has clarified the situation by confirming Rashford is keen to play again, but insists he will decide when to bring him in from the cold as he tackles the wider issue of United being in the bottom half of the table at Christmas for the first time since 1989.

He says Rashford is keen for a return to the line-up but that team-mates ‘understand’ why he was dropped

‘Yeah, it’s my decision,’ Amorim insisted. ‘He wants to play. He is trying. 

‘When I feel that is the right moment, I will change something. Until then I will continue to think about what is best for the team.

‘I spoke with a lot of players individually during training, so I’m trying to do things my way — it’s the only way I know. 

‘If I don’t do that, I will lose myself. And I will not lose myself. I know what I’m doing.’

Despite questioning the influence of Rashford’s camp, Amorim denies the issue has become a distraction.

‘No, I don’t think so,’ he added. ‘Not for me and not for the other players because everybody is there during training. They understand. That is the key point.

‘I’m really focused. Everybody in Carrington knows what I’m talking about and what I want from Marcus and everybody else.’

Asked if he has spoken to Rashford and what he needs to see from the player in training, Amorim replied: ‘Like any other player, the best they can be.

‘If you have big talents, big performance, big engagement, push everybody forward. Some have a big responsibility because they have been here for a long time.

‘This is maybe one of the lowest moments in our club, so we have to face it and be strong. That’s what I want for every player.’