Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has made the bold decision to leave forwards Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of his squad for Sunday’s crucial Manchester derby against City.
Amorim explained his decision to Sky Sports before kick-off, emphasising the importance of evaluating every aspect of a player’s performance. “We try to evaluate everything – training performance, game performances, engagement with teammates, pushing their teammates. Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players. It is my selection. Simple,” he said.
The new manager, who has taken charge of United in recent weeks, added that the context of needing to win games made the selection even more challenging. “Of course, the context is difficult because we have to win games and we have a difficult situation now. I pay attention to everything – the way you eat, the way you put on your clothes to go to a game. Everything. I make my evaluation and then I decide.”
Both Rashford and Garnacho trained on Sunday morning, with Amorim present to observe. Rashford, who had an outstanding 2022-23 season with 30 goals across all competitions, has struggled to regain his best form this season. Despite scoring three goals since Amorim took charge a month ago, he was substituted in the 56th minute during Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen, with some fans booing him as he left the pitch.
Amorim has previously stated his desire to help Rashford return to form, but made it clear that the player must be willing to put in the effort. “He has to want it,” said the manager last month.
For Sunday’s Premier League derby at Etihad Stadium, Amorim has opted for Rasmus Højlund, who scored both of United’s goals in the midweek win, and Amad Diallo to lead the attack.
Rashford has also been the subject of transfer speculation ahead of January’s window, with clubs including Bayern Munich, Marseille, and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly interested in the forward. Meanwhile, Garnacho, who has scored three league goals this season, has not found the net since Amorim took over on November 11.
The match marks a pivotal moment for Amorim’s United side, as they look to get back on track in the Premier League.
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