Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has sent a strong message about squad discipline, suggesting he would rather have his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach, Jorge Vital, on the bench than Marcus Rashford. The England international has been absent from United’s matchday squads for six weeks, with Amorim pointing to a lack of commitment as the reason for his exclusion.
Speaking after United’s 1-0 win over Fulham in the Premier League, Rúben Amorim reinforced his stance, stating that Rashford has not demonstrated the attitude of a player “giving the maximum every day.” He emphasized that selection decisions are based on training performance and a player’s overall dedication to their profession. “If things don’t change, I will not change,” Amorim asserted, making it clear that Rashford’s place in the squad hinges on his work ethic.
Uncertain Future for Rashford Amid Transfer Speculation
With the winter transfer window set to close on February 3, Rashford’s future remains uncertain. Despite sources close to the 27-year-old insisting he has no issue with Rúben Amorim and is open to playing for United again, potential transfer options appear limited. AC Milan, previously linked with a move, has shifted its focus to Kyle Walker, as Italian clubs can only sign one English player this month. Meanwhile, a loan move to Barcelona hinges on departures from the club, but neither Eric García nor Ansu Fati has shown willingness to leave.
Football pundits have weighed in on the situation, with former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given stating that Rúben Amorim is simply being honest and that United fans recognize when a player is underperforming. Ex-Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger also noted the risks involved, saying that Amorim’s tough stance could permanently damage his relationship with Rashford. However, with United struggling for consistency, Amorim appears determined to enforce his standards, even if it means sidelining one of the club’s biggest stars.
Rúben Amorim Jokes About Aging 10 Years at Manchester United Amid Tough Start
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim marked his 40th birthday with a lighthearted joke, claiming that the stress of managing at Old Trafford had aged him by a decade. “It’s not 40… I’m 50,” Amorim quipped after his team’s 1-0 win at Fulham on Sunday, reflecting on the challenges he’s faced since taking over in November. Despite the victory, which came courtesy of Lisandro Martinez’s deflected goal in the final moments, Amorim’s tenure has been far from smooth sailing. The win marked just his fourth Premier League victory since he succeeded Erik ten Hag, with the club’s performance at Fulham not providing much cause for optimism.
Rúben Amorim acknowledged the mixed nature of the team’s current form. While the victory against Fulham was crucial, the manager admitted the performance lacked conviction. However, Amorim remains resolute in his vision for the club’s future. “The important thing is I have a clear idea of what I want to do,” he said. “Sometimes I’m frustrated. We want to play a different style, and we are going to play that style in the future.” His comments hint at a longer-term strategy aimed at reshaping the team’s identity, even if the road to success may be bumpy in the short term.
Rúben Amorim Cautions Manchester United Over Transfer Strategy Amid Ongoing Outgoings
With the transfer window closing in just over a week, Manchester United’s lack of signings has become a point of concern. So far, the focus has been primarily on player departures, with winger Antony completing a loan move to Real Betis, and rumors swirling around potential departures for Alejandro Garnacho. The young Argentine forward, who started against Fulham, has been linked with a move away, but Amorim chose to keep him in the lineup. Despite Garnacho’s subdued performance at Craven Cottage, his assist in the match-winning goal was a reminder of his potential value to the squad.
Amorim’s comments on the club’s transfer strategy suggest a cautious approach. “We have to be cautious,” he said, referencing the mistakes made in previous windows and stressing the need for careful planning moving forward. The club has been rumored to be interested in bringing in new talent, with Lecce’s Patrick Dorg and Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku among the names being floated. However, Amorim’s focus remains on making the most of the current squad, underscoring the challenges of balancing potential signings with financial prudence and compliance with profit and sustainability regulations.
