BREAKING 🚨 “I chose to wait until we secured the win to address the fans about my decision to bench him. What he and Garnacho did was intolerable. If they persist with such behavior, they’ll need to leave the club to make way for players who are truly committed. I won’t jeopardize my position because of them,” Ruben Amorim stated in a bold press conference, unveiling the true reason behind Marcus Rashford’s exclusion from the Manchester derby squad.

Following Manchester United’s unexpected 2-1 victory over Manchester City, manager Ruben Amorim explained his decision to leave star winger Marcus Rashford out of the squad. The match saw City take an early lead through Josko Gvardiol, but United staged a dramatic comeback with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo. However, much of the pre-match discussion focused on the exclusion of Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

 

Amorim initially attributed their omissions to training performance and off-pitch behavior. Speaking post-match, he clarified that neither player was dropped for disciplinary reasons. The Portuguese manager dismissed speculation that poor behavior or internal conflicts played a role, emphasizing the decision stemmed from his broader approach to squad management.

 

Amorim addressed Garnacho’s situation, hinting at long-standing issues the club had overlooked. He acknowledged fans might feel disappointed but insisted it was necessary to be transparent. In contrast, Rashford’s exclusion seemed tied to setting higher standards, as reflected in Amorim’s detailed explanation of his holistic evaluation process.

 

The manager highlighted the importance of professionalism across all aspects of a player’s conduct—training, matches, and interactions with teammates. Amorim underscored his commitment to maintaining high standards during challenging times for the club, where everyone must fight for their spot. His decision reinforced the message that no player, regardless of status, is guaranteed a place in the starting lineup.

 

Rashford’s visible frustration during his early substitution in a Europa League win against Viktoria Plzen may have influenced Amorim’s decision. While not a disciplinary action, the omission served as a reminder of the expectations the manager has set for his players. Rashford and Garnacho now face the challenge of proving their commitment and professionalism to reclaim their spots.

 

The victory against City demonstrated the squad’s depth and collective strength. Goals from Fernandes and Diallo highlighted United’s ability to succeed without relying on star players, a testament to Amorim’s team-oriented philosophy. This win marked a significant step in reshaping the club’s culture under his leadership.

 

Amorim’s firm approach represents a cultural shift at Manchester United. By emphasizing accountability, teamwork, and high standards, he is redefining what it takes to thrive in the squad. His willingness to bench prominent players while maintaining competitive performance sets a powerful precedent.

 

As United continues its rebuild, Rashford and Garnacho must rise to the challenge posed by Amorim’s expectations. Their responses in the coming weeks will be crucial, not only for their individual careers but also for the team’s evolving identity under its new manager.