Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has indicated that he would prefer to reserve a spot on the bench for his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach rather than for Marcus Rashford, citing concerns over the forward’s perceived lack of effort.
The England forward has been absent from United’s matchday squad for six weeks, and he was once again omitted for Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Fulham in the Premier League.
As the transfer window approaches its deadline on February 3, uncertainty looms over Rashford’s future. His performance has drawn criticism from Amorim, who remarked that the player has not demonstrated the commitment expected from someone “giving the maximum every day.”
“The rationale remains consistent: it revolves around the training and my perspective on how a footballer ought to conduct themselves in life.” “It’s every day, every detail,” Amorim stated in response to inquiries regarding Rashford’s unavailability.
“Should circumstances remain the same, I will also remain unchanged.” Every player faces the same circumstances; if they put in their utmost effort and execute the correct actions, we can effectively utilize each individual. The current situation on the bench highlights a noticeable lack of pace.
However, it is essential to prioritize individuals like [Manchester United goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital, who consistently demonstrate maximum effort, over those who may not bring the same level of commitment daily.
Insiders familiar with Rashford’s situation have firmly stated that the 27-year-old harbors no grievances with Amorim and is prepared to represent the club once more.
The signing of Kyle Walker has thwarted the prospect of a transfer to AC Milan, as the Italian club can acquire only one English player during this transfer window.
The possibility of a loan to Barcelona hinges on the departure of a few players, yet both Eric Garcia and Ansu Fati appear reluctant to leave the Nou Camp.
Shay Given, the former Newcastle custodian, told BBC Match of the Day, “The fans aren’t stupid.” Observers have noted that the players’ performance falls short of expectations, and Ruben Amorim is candid in his assessment.
“Without hard training and unwavering dedication, securing a spot on the team will be impossible.” It is essential to demonstrate to your manager that you are worthy of a position within the team.
Former Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger remarked, “He aims to set an example, but if he proceeds with that, they will never be friends again.” Amorim faces mounting pressure; if he adopts a stringent approach with the players, it is imperative that his teams show improvement.
Amorim faced significant challenges during his early tenure as Manchester United manager, grappling with the difficulty of translating his tactical approach into tangible results.
In a match that appeared destined for a lackluster goalless draw, Fulham’s game took a dramatic turn when Lisandro Martinez found the net with a deflected strike in the dying moments, clinching victory for his side.
Since taking the helm in November, Amorim has led Manchester United to their fourth victory in the Premier League.
As Amorim approaches his 40th birthday on Monday, he humorously remarked, “It’s not 40… I’m 50.” Following a two-month tenure at Manchester United, the tally stands at 50. Celebrating my 40th birthday in this location is truly a privilege
Amorim likely embraced the opportunity to smile, as such moments have been scarce during his tenure at the club thus far.
Despite a lackluster performance at Fulham, the team secured a victory, marking their third win in the last four matches.
“Today’s performance wasn’t our strongest, but we secured the victory,” stated Amorim.
“What matters most is my definitive vision of my goals.” At times, frustration sets in. The team is set to adopt a new playing style, signaling a shift in their approach for future matches.
Amorim issues a transfer cautionary statement.
As the transfer window approaches its final days, Manchester United finds itself without any new signings. The club’s attention has predominantly shifted towards player departures.
Winger Antony, who made a high-profile move to Manchester United from Ajax in August 2022 for a reported fee of £81.3 million, has officially left the club. He is set to join Real Betis on loan for the remainder of the season, a decision announced on Saturday.
In recent developments, Argentina forward Alejandro Garnacho has emerged as a potential candidate for a transfer away from the club. Despite the speculation, coach Amorim started the 20-year-old in the match against Fulham.
Garnacho and his teammates delivered a mostly uninspired performance at Craven Cottage. However, his cutback ultimately reached the feet of goalscorer Martinez, contributing to the decisive goal.
Reports suggest that the sale of Garnacho may provide Manchester United with the necessary funds to facilitate new acquisitions and avoid potential violations of profit and sustainability regulations.
Manchester United is reportedly considering potential acquisitions, including Lecce full-back Patrick Dorgu and Chelsea forward Christopher Nkunku. However, for now, manager Amorim must continue utilizing his current squad.
“We must exercise caution,” he added.
“In the past, we acknowledged our mistakes and must avoid repeating them now.”
