Ruben Amorim admitted Manchester United are experiencing “probably their worst moment” and called on everyone – including exiled Marcus Rashford – to be “strong right now”.
United suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday to leave them 13th in the Premier League table, and the Amorim side go into their Boxing Day trip to Wolves having lost three of their last four matches.
Meanwhile, former United talisman Rashford has been ruled out of the last three games and gave a stunning interview last week to declare he is looking for a “new challenge”.
Asked if the Rashford story was in danger of becoming a distraction, Amorim said: “No, I don't think so. Not for me, not for the other players.
“Because everyone is there every day during training. They understand. That's the main point. As for the media and other people, I can't control that.
“But I'm very focused and they know I'm very clear on my message. Everyone at Carrington knows what I'm talking about and what I want from Marcus and from everyone else. This is not a distraction for us, it might as well be for the media.” But that's not what worries me.”
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Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim says Marcus Rashford's exclusion from squads for previous matches is down to his way of doing things and admits he will not “lose himself” at the club.
Asked what he wanted to see from Rashford, Amorim replied: “Like any other player, the best he can be.
“If you have great talent, great performance and great responsibility, push everyone forward at this moment. Some players have a great responsibility here because they have been here for a long time.
“This is probably one of the worst moments in our club so we have to face it and be strong in this moment. This is what I want from every player in the team.”
Amorim: I know what I'm doing
Rashford was first left out of United's squad ahead of the Manchester derby win on December 15, and Amorim confirmed that the striker wants to play for the team, but the Portuguese coach is honoring his invitation.
“Yes, that’s my decision,” Amorim said. “He wants to play, he is trying, but it is my decision, my decision only.
“I've spoken to many players, individually and during training. I'm doing this my way and it's the only way I know. If I don't do it, I will lose myself and I don't want to lose myself.” I know what I'm doing.”
Amorim has refused to close the door on Marcus Rashford at Manchester United
Rashford was an ever-present figure under former manager Erik ten Hag, and Amorim claims he cannot blame the Dutchman's reign for his side's current struggles in the Premier League.
United's problems were epitomized by a leak that appeared in the ceiling of the press conference room during the Amorim conference after the Bournemouth match – and the Portuguese coach even used the comedic moment to claim he could turn around the club's fortunes.
He said: “It is a difficult question to answer, and we have to know: Don't let this become normal.”
“I understand that it is a difficult moment and that it is on me. From the first day I arrived, it has been on me because I am responsible for the team.
“We can't think about that, we have to think about getting better, understanding the context and not focusing on what happened in the past. The present is this, what we have to do in the future is (not to let this) happen again.
“If I had known, all the club’s problems would have been solved, even this (pointing to a leak in the ceiling of the press conference room).
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After a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, Ruben Amorim's press conference was interrupted… due to a leak at Old Trafford.
“I know what I'm going to do, that's very clear to me, that's why I feel so – I won't say comfortable because I'm really frustrated – but I know what to do.
He added: “But we have to solve the problems step by step, and find answers to everything, but it is a very difficult moment. We understand the fans and we will fight that.”
Amorim's emotional message to Manchester United fans
Amorim also spoke of Manchester United fans' “concern” around Old Trafford during the defeat to Bournemouth – but said he could not blame the fans for “doing everything right” from the stands.
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Free viewing: Highlights of the Manchester United vs. Bournemouth match in the English Premier League
The 39-year-old also admitted that he understands the frustration and disappointment the players are showing.
“I can't say better things about the fans,” he said. “What I'm trying to say to the fans is: We understand. I understand as a coach. I understand the moment, the frustration, the disappointment. I understand that.
“We will improve, it will take time. I said the same thing after we beat Everton and people were talking about the top four. So I know it will be really difficult but it is important for us, in this aspect, to say we understand the supporters, I understand.
“They are amazing, the support we have. We are having a season that we haven't had in many years and we know that. The only thing is to face it, and prepare for the next game as we won – if you want that.” I could say that – then go again and try to win the match.
“It's just from us. They need our help, not the other way around. They're doing everything right.”
