Ruben Amorim shocks fans by excluding Rashford and Garnacho from squad
- Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho were not included in the squad for the Manchester derby against Manchester City.
- Ruben Amorim cited performance evaluations as the reason for their absence from the match.
- The decision reflects Amorim's commitment to high standards and accountability among the players.
On December 15, 2024, Manchester United faced their rivals Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium in what was anticipated to be an intense derby match. Notably absent from the United squad were Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho, whose exclusions had been leaked on social media the night before the game. The decision to not include these players was made by manager Ruben Amorim, reportedly due to performance-related evaluations. Both players had previously participated in the Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen earlier in the week, with Garnacho playing as a second-half substitute. In an interview with Sky Sports, Amorim emphasized the importance of various aspects contributing to player selection, including training and game performance, as well as engagement with their teammates. He highlighted that the selection process is comprehensive and considers not only on-field performance but also personal habits such as nutrition and dressing appropriately for matches. His statement suggested that there were expectations the players must meet consistently to earn their place on the squad. Amorim was keen to portray that his decision was not merely to send a punitive message but rather reflected a necessary evaluation process that he conducts for every player. He acknowledged the talent and capabilities of Rashford and Garnacho but reiterated the need for them to consistently perform well in training and games to be considered for selection. The manager expressed that his role requires him to make tough decisions, and he believes the players understand that their performances are under constant scrutiny. The absence of these two players from such a crucial match reflects the high standards Amorim aims to uphold at Manchester United. With Rashford's talent and Garnacho's potential, both players are seen as valuable assets to the team, especially in matches against high-caliber opponents like Manchester City. Their exclusion was a clear signal from Amorim regarding what he expects from his players if they wish to contribute to the team’s success as they navigate through a competitive season.