RUBEN AMORIM has a theory on who was behind Marcus Rashford’s bombshell transfer interview — but the Manchester United boss will “forget it… for now.”
Rashford declared he is “ready for a new challenge” after being axed from Amorim’s squad for the 2-1 win over Man City.
The forward has since failed to feature in United’s following two matches, a 4-3 Carabao Cup defeat to Spurs and Sunday’s 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth in the Premier League.
And Amorim, who is being backed by United's board, has given no guarantee that Rashford will be involved for the tricky Boxing Day trip to Wolves either.
It’s led to speculation that United’s academy product could be sold when the January transfer window opens.
Yet Amorim reckons there could be other forces at play.
Speaking to Sky Sports, the Portuguese boss hinted that Rashford’s comments about leaving United may have actually stemmed from the player’s camp.
Amorim said: “It is a hard situation. I understand that these players have a lot of people around them, making choices that are not the first idea from the player.
“I am always here to help Marcus as another player. I have to do what I have to do.
“They chose to do the interview as it is not just Marcus. I have understood that.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
“As a coach I focus on performance and the way you train. The rest, it is better for me and the club to deal with that when the time comes.”
Amorim did offer an olive branch to Rashford though, insisting he will “forget the interview now.”
He added: “At the moment I focus on improving Marcus and we need a talented guy like Marcus.
“I forget the interview now and see what I see on the pitch.”
It remains to be seen if Rashford features again for United, with the forward having scored just four times in 15 league outings this season.
Speaking to journalist Henry Winter earlier this month, the England ace revealed the time felt right to pack his bags and quit Old Trafford for a fresh start elsewhere.
Rashford said: “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.
“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.
“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse.
“I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.
“When I leave, I’ll make a statement, and it will be from me. It’s disheartening to be left out of a derby, but it’s happened, we won the game so let’s move on.
“It’s disappointing but I’m also someone as I’ve got older I can deal with setbacks.
“What am I going to do about it? Sit there and cry about it? Or do my best the next time I’m available?”