‘Naive’ Ruben Amorim told he is ‘killing’ Manchester United forward

Carlton Cole says Sir Jim Ratcliffe needs to tell Ruben Amorim to ‘shut his mouth’ as he is ‘killing’ Marcus Rashford and his price tag by incessantly criticising the forward in public.

Rashford revealed that he was seeking a ‘new challenge’ away from Old Trafford after being left out of last month’s Manchester derby and the attacker’s future has been the subject of intense speculation this January.

The 27-year-old England international has managed just 11 league goals in total over the last two seasons and has not featured for the Red Devils since the side’s Europe League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.

Since taking charge of United, Amorim has repeatedly questioned Rashford’s attitude and professionalism and last weekend claimed he would sooner select the club’s 63-year-old goalkeeping coach over a player ‘not giving the maximum every day’.

United are open to offers for Rashford and a number of top teams across European football have been credited with an interest, including AC Milan, Fenerbahce, Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.

It’s understood United have also received three bids from a trio of unnamed Saudi Pro League clubs, though Rashford himself is not keen on a move to the Middle East.

Addressing Amorim’s recent remarks on The Dressing Room Podcast, ex-England and West Ham striker Cole said: ‘You look at the Rashford situation and what Amorim is talking about afterwards, saying that he’d rather play his goalkeeping coach, who is 63 years old, rather than play him up front basically because he doesn’t apply himself properly.

‘I want to know what’s going on. He’s killing him and you’re killing his price tag as well, by the way.

‘Rashford is a commodity, he’s money. If you really want to sell him on, why would you say that?!

‘That’s why I think Amorim is a little bit naive because he’s going with his emotions. He’s thinking, “Rashford’s not doing what I’m saying and I’m the boss!”‘

According to Cole, Amorim needs to be reined in by United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe while the club look to drum up interest and agree a deal with potential suitors for Rashford.

He added: ‘If I’m Ratcliffe, I’m looking at him [Amorim] and thinking, “You need to shut your mouth! We’re trying to sell him here and you’re saying that he’s not living right lifestyle!”

‘Ratcliffe needs to be clear with Amorim, “Stay away from the Rashford situation please, because we’re trying to do a deal here”, there has got to be communication.’

Earlier this week, United legend Rio Ferdinand said Rashford should feel ’embarrassed’ by Amorim’s ‘damning’ criticism this season.

‘If I was the player the manager said that about, my heart, my pride, my ego – it’s embarrassment,’ said Ferdinand on his Rio Presents YouTube channel.

‘For someone to question your application, to question you giving 100 per cent for the team, saying you’re lacking effort and taking shortcuts, that’s a damning comment.

‘There is no way back for Marcus after that.

‘If he did come back that means other players can take their foot off the gas and have a way back into the team and take shortcuts.’

The former England defender insisted he would have ‘come out all guns blazing’ had a manager made similar comments about his during his playing days.

‘For me, if it isn’t true, I’m coming out all guns blazing. I’m holding a press conference and saying, “I’m not having anyone say that about me”,’ Ferdinand added.

‘You only do that if you are 100 per cent sure that nobody can say you’re taking shortcuts.

‘We’re in an era where you have the ability to really communicate with the fans directly so the story is not getting twisted.

‘I would love to sit across the table from Marcus and look into his eyes and see if he could say that. If you can’t, you have to look at yourself.’

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