Amorim eager for wantaway Rashford to stay at Manchester United

LONDON: Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said he wants to keep Marcus Rashford in his squad after the local hero suggested he could leave Old Trafford for a “new challenge”.

The 27-year-old, who was left out of last weekend’s derby against Manchester City, came through United’s youth ranks and has chalked up 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2016. However, he has struggled for form over the last 18 months, losing his place in England’s squad for the Euros in the summer.

Amorim’s bold decision to leave out the forward against City was followed by Rashford’s interview with British journalist Henry Winter on social media on Tuesday in which the forward revealed he was ready to end his 20-year association with United.

Rashford’s comments were put to Amorim at a Wednesday press conference scheduled to preview nominally the club’s League Cup quarter-final at Tottenham. “No (I’ve not spoken to him),” Amorim said. “Not yet. It was yesterday (when) I gave the day off to the lads, so he’s our player and he’s ready for the next game.”