Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, recently made headlines with a pointed critique of forward Marcus Rashford’s commitment and professionalism. Following United’s narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham, Amorim addressed Rashford’s continued absence from the squad, emphasizing the importance of daily dedication and effort. He stated, “It’s always the same reason: the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It’s every day, every detail.” Amorim further remarked that he would prefer to include 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital on the bench over any player not giving their maximum effort.
Rashford, who has not featured in a Premier League matchday squad for nearly two months, has been the subject of transfer speculation, with clubs like Barcelona and AC Milan reportedly expressing interest. Despite his absence from recent games, Rashford has maintained a positive demeanor in training and publicly supported his teammates, congratulating them on their recent win via social media.
Amorim’s comments underscore his commitment to fostering a culture of professionalism and hard work within the team. He emphasized that the same standards apply to all players, stating, “If things don’t change, I will not change. It’s the same situation for every player; if you do the maximum and right things, we can use every player.”
The decision to exclude Rashford comes at a time when Manchester United is grappling with challenges in their attacking lineup. In the match against Fulham, United managed only one shot on target, which resulted in the game’s sole goal—a deflected strike by Lisandro Martinez. Amorim acknowledged the team’s need for more pace and power up front but remained steadfast in his principles, indicating that he would not compromise on effort and commitment.
As the January transfer window approaches its conclusion, Rashford’s future with Manchester United remains uncertain. Amorim’s firm stance suggests that unless there is a notable change in Rashford’s approach, his opportunities to rejoin the squad may remain limited. This situation highlights the broader challenges managers face in balancing individual player issues with team dynamics and performance g
oals.