Marcus Rashford has been told that he must change his attitude if he’s to make a return to the Manchester United starting line-up.
The forward’s exile from Ruben Amorim’s plans continued this week as he was left out of their travelling squad to face FCSB.
GettyRashford has been left out of the United squad to face FCSB[/caption]
United conclude their Europa League league phase campaign in Romania on Thursday night.
Despite training with his teammates on Wednesday, Rashford was not named in the travelling group of 21 players by the club.
Asked about the 27-year-old’s continued absence during his pre-match press conference, Amorim set out his requirements for recalling the academy graduate.
The Portuguese told reporters: “Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him – but he has to change.
“If he changes, we are more than welcome [to include him] – and we need it. But in this moment we have to set some standards. We are waiting for Rashford, if he wants it really bad.
“You (the media) want to make it personal, I have nothing against Marcus, but I have to make the same rules for everybody.
“We need goals, we need [players who can go] one against one, we need threat in the final third.”
Rashford has not featured for United since their win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.
He has been named on the bench just once in their 11 matches since, having been an unused substitute against Newcastle during the festive period.
Amorim added: “The situation is the same for every player. I will not put [in] any player that doesn’t give the maximum.
“When I feel it is the right moment, I will put in any player to play. We are a better team with Rashford, that is clear, but until the right moment I will not change my mind.”
Rashford, who is not out of contract until 2028, has scored in three goals in his six appearances under Amorim.
Meanwhile, a move away from Old Trafford this month has failed to materialise.
After saying he was ‘ready for a new challenge’, the England forward had been linked with a potential loan move to both Borussia Dortmund and AC Milan.
As for United, they have already booked their place in the knockout stage of the Europa League ahead of Thursday’s match.
A win over FCSB, however, will assure the Red Devils of progression directly to the last 16 of the competition.