Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has issued a pointed response to Marcus Rashford following the forward’s public comments about potentially leaving the club. Rashford, a lifelong United player who joined the academy at the age of seven, recently hinted at a desire to explore “new steps” in his career after being excluded from the squad for United’s 2-1 derby victory over Manchester City.
The timing of Rashford’s remarks reportedly blindsided United’s management, who were unaware of his intentions before the announcement. Amorim, facing a barrage of media questions at a press conference ahead of United’s League Cup quarter-final against Tottenham, expressed his disapproval of Rashford’s approach.
Amorim’s Response
“If this was me, probably I would speak with the manager,” Amorim remarked, urging Rashford to discuss his concerns internally rather than addressing them publicly. Shifting focus to the upcoming match, he added, “But guys, let’s focus on Tottenham!”
Amorim also clarified a previous statement that was seemingly misinterpreted. He explained:
“When I talk about focusing on details, I was making a general point. I don’t care how my players dress or what they eat—it’s about professionalism and preparation. My priority is getting the best out of Marcus and the team as a whole.”
Managing the Fallout
The fallout from Rashford’s comments has added an extra layer of complexity for Amorim. The manager revealed that he had not yet discussed the matter directly with Rashford, as the player was absent from training on Monday due to illness and the team had a scheduled day off on Tuesday.
“It’s hard to explain what I’ll do,” Amorim admitted. “I’m emotional, so I’ll decide in the moment. My focus right now is preparing the team for the game. The team is more important than any individual player, and we’ll address this situation at the right time.”
Amorim acknowledged the challenge of balancing his response. “If I give this too much attention, it’ll dominate the headlines. But if I downplay it, it might seem like I’m lowering my standards. My priority is keeping the focus on the team and their performance.”
Rashford’s Future in Question
Despite the controversy, Amorim reaffirmed his belief in Rashford’s abilities. “Nothing has changed. We believe in Marcus. He is a Manchester United player, and that remains the same,” the manager stated.
However, Rashford’s omission from the squad traveling to London for the Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham has further fueled speculation about his future. Meanwhile, young prospect Alejandro Garnacho has rejoined the squad, signaling potential involvement in the quarter-final clash.
Looking Ahead
As tension brews around Rashford’s situation, Amorim remains focused on steering the team through their competitive fixtures. The manager’s emphasis on unity and professionalism reflects his intent to prioritize the club’s goals over individual grievances.
The coming weeks will likely provide more clarity on Rashford’s status at Old Trafford and whether Amorim can navigate this challenge without disrupting the team’s momentum. For now, the spotlight remains on Manchester United’s ability to maintain focus amid mounting speculation.
SOURCE: Goal.com
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