In a decision that has created an explosion among Manchester United fans, head coach Ruben Amorim omitted Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the matchday squad for Sunday's thrilling 2-1 victory over Manchester City. The absence of two of Uniteds brightest attacking stars at such a critical juncture raised eyebrows. Still, Amorim's post-match comments revealed it was a calculated move to raise the bar for professionalism and performance at Old Trafford.
"It's About Standards, Not Messages," Amorim Explains
Speaking to reporters after the game, Amorim dismissed speculation that the exclusion of Rashford and Garnacho was due to injury, illness, or disciplinary reasons. Instead, he emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards on and off the pitch.
"We try to evaluate everything—training, game performance, engagement with teammates, even how players dress and eat," Amorim said. "I make my evaluations, and then I decide. Today, I chose the players who were better suited for this game. It's that simple."
The coach clarified that the decision wasn't meant to "send a message" but rather reflected his commitment to a team-first approach. "The players are really smart. They understand my decision," he added.
While Rashford featured in Thursday's Europa League comeback against Viktoria Plzen and Garnacho came on as a late substitute, both were relegated to training at Carrington during Sunday's derby—a signal that no one is undroppable in Amorim's system.
Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho News Reaction
The decision sparked widespread debate among pundits. Former United captain Gary Neville backed Amorim's tough stance, calling it a "bold and necessary" move to shake up the squad.
Speaking on his podcast, Neville stated, "Amorim has to be brutal if he's going to rebuild this team. Rashford and Garnacho are incredible talents, but they need to be held accountable if they're not meeting the required standards."
Roy Keane echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that the omission could have been more surprising. "They've been poor recently, and Amorim has seen enough. It's a big call but sets the tone for what's expected moving forward."
Meanwhile, Micah Richards expressed sympathy for Rashford, a local lad who has faced mounting pressure to lead the team. "It's a sad moment for a player of his quality. You imagine he's heartbroken. But maybe this is the wake-up call he needs."
Marcus Rashford and Garnacho: Responses and Tactical Considerations
Sources close to Marcus Rashford have indicated that the forward is disappointed but determined to fight for his place. Garnacho, known for his fiery temperament, reportedly decided on the chin and impressed in the subsequent training session.
Tactically, the exclusion highlights Amorim's preference for players who align with his high-intensity 3-4-3 system. Rashford and Garnacho thrive in free-flowing attacking roles but have been criticized for inconsistent defensive contributions. Amorim's system demands that wide players not only create chances but also press relentlessly and track back—a requirement Rashford and Garnacho have struggled to meet.
"Amorim plays a compact system with two narrow forwards behind the striker and wing-backs providing width," Neville explained. "If Rashford and Garnacho aren't running both ways, they simply don't fit."
Amad Diallo's match-winning performance underscored this point. The winger, who scored the decisive penalty and a stunning late winner, exemplified the work ethic Amorim is trying to instill. His ability to press high and contribute defensively likely secured his starting spot in Rashford and Garnacho's absence.
This Tough Decision Was Necessary
Amorim's call to drop two marquee players signals a shift in Manchester United's culture under his leadership. After years of inconsistency, the Portuguese manager is determined to create a team-first ethos, where talent alone isn't enough to guarantee a place.
"When people in the club are losing their jobs, we have to push our standards really high," Amorim said, referencing recent redundancies at Old Trafford. This no-nonsense approach is a stark departure from previous regimes that often hesitated to challenge established stars.
By prioritizing work ethic, discipline, and tactical alignment, Amorim is laying the foundation for long-term success. It's a bold strategy that aligns with the culture of top clubs like Manchester City, where Pep Guardiola demands similar standards.
The Road to Redemption
Amorim has clarified that Rashford and Garnacho's exclusion is not permanent. "Next week, new life," he said. "If they train well and meet the standards, they'll compete for a place in the team."
For fans, the message is clear: Manchester United is entering a new era of accountability and discipline. While the decision to bench two of the team's biggest stars may seem harsh, it could prove pivotal in restoring the club's identity and competitiveness.
As United prepare for Thursday's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Tottenham, all eyes will be on the lineup. Whether Rashford and Garnacho can reclaim their spots remains to be seen, but one thing is sure: under Ruben Amorim, no one is safe from the bench.