Amorim stands firm: no regrets on Rashford's fate

In December 2024, following a string of disappointing results for Manchester United, head coach Ruben Amorim opted to exclude Marcus Rashford from the squad for multiple matches, including the recent Carabao Cup loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Rashford had publicly declared that he was ready for a new challenge in a high-profile interview, which stirred up speculation regarding his future with the club. Despite Rashford's longstanding association with Manchester United as a product of their academy, his comments were interpreted by many as an intention to leave, ultimately leading Amorim to question the choices of those surrounding the player, suggesting that they could have influenced his statements. Amorim emphasized that the decision to leave Rashford out was strictly a selection process based on his training performances and the overall commitment displayed by players. This choice came amidst mounting pressure on the team after consecutive defeats, positioning them poorly in the Premier League. Amorim maintained that he was focused on improving Rashford as a player rather than engaging with the external conversations surrounding his commitment to the club. The situation garnered both media and fan attention, with criticisms arising about Rashford's approach to his responsibilities. Analysts suggested that his interview came at an inopportune time, given the circumstances of his omission and the team's struggles. It raised questions regarding his commitment and desire to perform at Manchester United. Amorim remained steadfast in his belief that dropping the player was the right approach and urged Rashford to show the necessary reactions and improvements in training to earn his spot back. Moving forward, Amorim expressed his dedication to supporting Rashford but reiterated the need for players to meet specific standards in order to stay in the team. As Manchester United and its players prepared for the upcoming matches, including fixtures against Bournemouth and Newcastle, the focus remained on restoring confidence and performance within the squad while managing the evolving dynamics surrounding Rashford's future at the club.