'I understand that': Amorim has decided on Rashford's future ahead of Wolves game - opinion
Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways when they face Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Boxing Day.
The club have had a dreadful campaign, with just 22 points from 17 matches. They are already nine points adrift of the Champions League places.
The upcoming game at Molineux is a must-win. Ahead of the encounter, Amorim was posed with plenty of questions regarding Marcus Rashford.
The England international was surprisingly dropped for the Manchester derby, and he went on to say that he would prefer a new challenge away from the club.
Amorim has since left him out for the next two outings against Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth.
Speaking in his pre-match presser before the Wolves game, Amorim clarified that Rashford wants to play, but he has made the personal decision to leave him out.
He told Manutd.com: “Yeah, it’s my decision. He wants to play, he’s trying, it’s my decision and only my decision.”
Meanwhile, Amorim spoke with Sky Sports earlier this week. The Portuguese highlighted that Rashford’s entourage was also involved in the recent interview.
He said (via Manutd.com): “They chose to do the interview, as it is not just Marcus. I understand that. As a coach, I focus on performance and the way you train.
“The rest, it is better for me and the club to deal with that when the time comes.
“At the moment, I focus on improving Marcus and we need a talented guy like Marcus. I forget the interview now and see what I see on the pitch.”
Rashford’s situation is quite identical to Jadon Sancho’s
Jadon Sancho had a public fall-out with former manager Erik ten Hag in September last year. The Dutch tactician questioned the Englishman’s attitude in training before the Arsenal game.
There is a similar pattern with Rashford. Amorim has not been impressed by his contribution on the training pitch and he has been left out of the matchday squads as a result.
His interview after the derby has not helped his cause. Alejandro Garnacho was also dropped against Manchester City but has been reintegrated into the squad for the last two outings.
It seems crystal clear that Amorim does not believe Rashford suits his 3-4-2-1 system. He lacks the defensive work rate to operate from the right or left wing-back positions.
Rashford has rarely played as an attacking midfielder, and there is fierce competition from Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee up front. He will probably move on in January.
With his recent lack of minutes and inconsistent form, clubs could be reluctant to sign him permanently. It could be a loan deal with an option to buy at the end of the season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com.
Article written by Sri Aswin .