MANCHESTER: Marcus Rashford was once again left out of Manchester United's squad for their Premier League match against Bournemouth on Sunday, marking the third consecutive game he has been omitted by manager Ruben Amorim.
This decision has fueled speculation that Rashford's time at the club may be drawing to a close.
The 27-year-old forward has struggled to find the form that saw him net 30 goals in all competitions during the 2022-23 season.
Despite Amorim previously stating that his team is "better with Marcus Rashford," the manager has emphasized the importance of high standards for players, particularly in areas such as conduct during training and relationships with teammates.
"Rashford out again? It is my decision, and it always will be," Amorim told. "I want to see the best of my players, and then I try different things with different players, so that is my focus."
Amorim made the decision to exclude both Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the squad for last week's 2-1 derby victory over Manchester City. Just two days later, Rashford stated in an interview that he was ready for a "new challenge" away from the club.
Although Rashford has scored three goals since Amorim took charge a month ago, he was substituted in the 56th minute of their 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12, with fans booing the striker as he left the pitch.
He has not featured in the team since.
Amorim had expressed a desire to help Rashford rediscover his best form but stressed that the player must be willing to make the effort. "He has to want it first," Amorim said last month.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville suggested on Sunday that Rashford's time at the club may be nearing its end.
"I suspect it's getting to an inevitable ending where he will leave the club," said Neville.
Rashford was also absent from the squad for Thursday's 4-3 League Cup quarter-final loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
