Rashford’s future at Old Trafford became uncertain the
morning after last weekend’s Manchester derby horror show when it was widely
reported that he is frustrated by a relative lack of playing time and was
bemused at the decision to leave him out of the starting lineup at the Etihad
Stadium.
The 24-year-old, whose start to the season was delayed by a
recovery from shoulder surgery in the summer, has only started two of United’s
last 11 Premier League games.
Rangnick has explained ahead of facing Tottenham this
weekend that he prefers not to pay particular attention to such reporting. He
added that he hasn’t been personally told by Rashford if the player is unhappy
but would not stand in his way if he does want to go.
“In my 25 years of professional football, I have been
deciding not to take too much notice of things happening in the media,” the
boss explained.
“He didn't say anything to me. He said to me that he's still
happy and that he wants to perform on a high level here for the club. He didn't
mention a thing about not being happy here.
“The window is closed right now. Even in case, suppose he
and his agents or his family at one stage of the summer think about maybe going
to another club, then he can do that…but in the summer.”
Whether he pushes for a transfer or not, as long as Rashford
does remain a United player, Rangnick will do all he can to get the best out of
him.
“I like Marcus as a player, “he said. “I've had a few in the
past at former clubs where they had problems at one stage but it's our job to
help him, to get the best Marcus Rashford that he can be.”
Another player rumoured to be less than happy at Old
Trafford is Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been forced to miss recent games with a
hip problem. His commitment to the club has been questioned during that time
and speculation has been rife that he was dropped rather than injured.
"He resumed training [on Thursday]. He trained the
whole training session. He trained well so I would've thought he's available
for [Saturday]. I haven't asked him if he's happy at Manchester and at this
club,” Rangnick confirmed.
“For me, it's important that he's fit again and that he
resumed training. We will see with which formation and with which lineup we are
going to play the game.”