Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said he would rather play a 63-year-old goalkeeping coach than a player who isn’t giving it his all when asked why Marcus Rashford was not playing.
Rashford hasn’t been in United’s matchday squad for six weeks and was benched again for Sunday’s 1-0 Premier League victory over Fulham.
Amorim has chastised Rashford for not exhibiting the mindset of someone who is “giving the maximum every day.”
“It’s always the same reason – the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It’s every day, every detail,” said Amorim when asked why Rashford was not available.
“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.
“You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench, but I would put [Manchester United goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.”
According to sources close to Rashford, the 27-year-old has no issues with Amorim and is eager to return to the club.
However, a loan to Barcelona is contingent on the departure of Eric Garcia and Ansu Fati, both of whom are reluctant to leave the Nou Camp.
Former Newcastle goalkeeper Shay Given told BBC Match of the Day: “The fans aren’t stupid. They see it’s not good enough from the players and Ruben Amorim is just being honest.
“If you don’t train hard and dedicate your life, you won’t be in the team. You have to show your manager you deserve a place in the team.”
Ex-Aston Villa midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger added: “He wants to set an example but, if he does that, they will never be friends again.
“Amorim is also under pressure, if he is very harsh with the players then his teams have to improve.”
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
