Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has openly criticized star forward Marcus Rashford for his lack of effort in training, leading to Rashford's exclusion from the matchday squad in the team's 1-0 victory over Fulham. Amorim expressed his dissatisfaction with Rashford's attitude, stating he would prefer to place 63-year-old goalkeeper coach Jorge Vital on the bench rather than the forward. Rashford has not appeared in a Premier League matchday squad for nearly two months, and his performance remains a topic of concern for the club.
Amorim's remarks highlight the challenges facing Manchester United's forward line, which he believes lacks "pace and power." Despite securing a win against Fulham, the team's offensive capabilities showed room for improvement. Rasmus Hojlund struggled to make an impact, while Joshua Zirkzee had minimal ball contact during the latter stages of the match. Amorim admitted that finding the back of the net has been a persistent issue for his squad, with United failing to score from open play in the first half for the 12th consecutive Premier League game.
The match against Fulham further emphasized Manchester United's offensive struggles, as they waited 42 minutes before taking their first shot on goal. Despite Rashford's absence, he took to social media to congratulate his teammates on their victory. However, Amorim remains firm in his stance regarding Rashford's status within the team.
"If things don't change, I will not change," Amorim stated, reinforcing his commitment to maintaining high standards for players' training attitudes.
Amorim has been experimenting with Rashford's positioning, exploring a more open role for him rather than his usual inside position. Despite these efforts, Rashford's lack of visible progress appears to have prompted Amorim's recent comments.
"It's always the same reason: the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It's every day, every detail," Amorim elaborated on his expectations from players.
The head coach acknowledged the need for caution and adherence to club policies while addressing player performances.
"We have to be cautious. Even the rules here, we have to follow the rules," Amorim emphasized.
Amorim's comments come at a time when Manchester United is looking to build momentum following their recent success against Fulham. The team is preparing for a Europa League trip to Bucharest, followed by crucial home fixtures against Crystal Palace and Leicester in the FA Cup. These upcoming matches present an opportunity for United to address their scoring deficiencies and strengthen their position in various competitions.
As Amorim continues to assess Rashford's role within the squad, he remains focused on finding solutions to enhance Manchester United's attacking prowess.
"I think so. Even in the second half we wanted to change something, we lack some pace and power up front," said Amorim about the need for a dynamic forward line.
Despite Rashford's absence from recent matchday squads, Amorim has reiterated his willingness to prioritize players who demonstrate dedication and effort in training. This approach aims to foster a competitive environment where performance is rewarded.
"You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench. But I would put [Man Utd goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player who doesn't give the maximum every day," Amorim remarked.
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