Marcus Rashford "has to change" before Manchester United return: Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim insists Marcus Rashford must change before returning to Manchester United, amid talks for loan move.

Marcus Rashford "has to change" before he can return to Manchester United, according to head coach Ruben Amorim.

The England forward, who last played for United 7 weeks ago, was once again left out of the squad for Thursday’s Europa League match against FCSB in Bucharest.

Amorim stated that although Rashford’s talent is undeniable, the team requires more from him before he can feature again.

"Imagine a talent like Rashford, our team should be so much better with him - but he has to change," Amorim said on Wednesday. "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."

Rashford, who has been linked with a potential move away from Old Trafford ahead of the January transfer deadline, trained with United on Wednesday morning but was excluded from the 21-man squad for the European fixture.

Amorim was clear that he would not select any player who does not meet his standards.

“We need goals, we need [players who can go] one against one, we need threat in the final third,” the manager added. “When I feel it is the right moment, I will put in any player to play.”

Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag as United’s head coach, made it clear that the situation applies to all players: “The situation is the same for every player. I will not put [in] any player that doesn’t give the maximum."

Rashford’s absence has added fuel to speculation regarding his future at the club.

Despite having made 426 appearances for United and scoring 138 goals since his debut in 2016, it seems his future at Old Trafford is uncertain as the January transfer window nears its end.

Amorim made it clear that, while Rashford is a key player, he must first meet the manager’s expectations: “We are a better team with Rashford, that is clear, but until the right moment, I will not change my mind."