Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has issued a scathing assessment of Marcus Rashford’s recent contributions, declaring he would rather turn to 63-year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital than rely on the England forward. Rashford, once a cornerstone of United’s attack, was omitted from the squad in the narrow 1-0 win over Fulham—marking nearly two months since his last Premier League appearance.
Speaking after the match at Craven Cottage, Amorim emphasized the importance of daily effort, stating, “If things don’t change, I will not change. It’s always the same reason: the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. Every day, every detail.”
Rashford’s lack of form and perceived commitment have put him on the fringes of the squad, with Amorim suggesting that consistent dedication is a non-negotiable requirement for a spot in his team. His post-match remarks underscore the growing tension between player and coach as Manchester United navigate a turbulent season.
United’s Attacking Woes Highlighted
Despite their victory, Manchester United’s attacking frailties were on full display. The team managed only one shot on target—a deflected effort from Lisandro Martínez that ultimately secured the three points. With Rasmus Højlund struggling to make an impact and substitute Joshua Zirkzee managing just eight touches in his cameo, Amorim openly acknowledged the lack of “pace and power up front.”
“We need to have ball creators, more chances. We struggle a lot in these details,” Amorim admitted. The inability to capitalize on attacking opportunities has become a recurring theme, with United failing to score from open play in the first half for the 12th consecutive Premier League match.
Garnacho’s Future in Doubt
Adding to United’s uncertainties, Alejandro Garnacho’s future remains unresolved. The talented academy graduate, linked with Napoli and Chelsea, could be sold to help the club comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules. Despite starting in the Fulham game, Garnacho was substituted after Martínez’s goal, leaving Amorim noncommittal about his status.
“Nobody knows. Anything can happen,” Amorim said, hinting that Garnacho’s development is ongoing but his future may lie elsewhere. The young winger has shown glimpses of brilliance, yet his role at United remains unclear amid speculation about a potential transfer.
Analysis: United Masking Bigger Problems
Sky Sports analyst Pete Smith highlighted the fragile nature of United’s win, describing the performance as cautious and uninspiring. While the three points provide temporary relief, the broader issues persist.
Amorim’s focus on effort and discipline reflects the larger challenges facing Manchester United. As the January transfer window approaches its conclusion, questions loom over Rashford’s role, Garnacho’s fate, and the club’s ability to address its glaring deficiencies in attack.
With upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace and Leicester, as well as a Europa League clash with Bucharest, United have an opportunity to build momentum. However, the underlying issues demand immediate attention if the team hopes to salvage their season and compete on multiple fronts.
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Conclusion
Manchester United’s challenges this season highlight deeper structural and tactical issues that cannot be masked by occasional narrow victories. Ruben Amorim’s public criticism of Marcus Rashford underscores the manager’s insistence on discipline, effort, and professionalism as non-negotiable qualities. Meanwhile, the team’s persistent attacking struggles and uncertainty surrounding key players like Alejandro Garnacho expose a lack of depth and cohesion in the squad.
As the January transfer window nears its conclusion, the decisions made in the coming days will be pivotal. Whether United can address their shortcomings or continue to rely on makeshift solutions remains uncertain. For a club with a storied history, the expectations are high, but the current trajectory suggests there is significant work to be done to restore their competitive edge. The onus now lies on the players and management to align their efforts and ensure Manchester United’s long-term ambitions are met.
