Ruben Amorim's brutal Marcus Rashford verdict: I'd rather play Manchester United GK coach than uncommitted player
Updated 27/01/2025 at 09:58 GMT
In a stinging criticism of his forward, Ruben Amorim has said he would rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than Marcus Rashford. The Manchester United boss was speaking out after watching his side beat Fulham 1-0 thanks to a fortuitous strike by Lisandro Martinez. Rashford was excluded from the squad once again and Amorim pulled no punches when asked about his omission.
'I will not change' - Amorim will play goalkeeping coach over Rashford if attitude doesn't change
Video credit: SNTV
Ruben Amorim stated that he would rather select his goalkeeping coach than a player who "doesn't give their maximum every day" when asked about Marcus Rashford's latest omission.
Manchester United needed a fortunate 78th-minute effort from Lisandro Martinez to edge past Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Rashford was once again a notable absentee from the United squad and Amorim was not prepared to pull any punches when questioned about his forward's future.
The 27-year-old has not been included in a Premier League matchday squad since the 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on December 7.
"It’s always the same reason. The reason is the training, the way I see what a footballer should do in training, in life," he told reporters.
"It’s every day, every detail. If things don’t change, I will not change."
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Marcus Rashford during a Manchester United training session at the Carrington Training Centre, on January 22, 2025, in Manchester, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
When asked if Rashford would still be a United player come February 4 once the transfer window closes, Amorim went further with his criticism, insisting he would rather pick his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vital than the forward.
"It’s the same situation for every player. If you do the maximum, if you do the right things, we can use every player," he said.
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Highlights: Martinez strikes as Man Utd edge past Fulham at Craven Cottage
Video credit: TNT Sports
"And you can see it today on the bench – we miss a little bit of pace to go to change the game, to move some pieces, but I prefer [it] like that.
"I will put Vital before I put a player that doesn't give the maximum every day, so I will not change in that."
Meanwhile, in his interview with TNT Sports, Amorim insisted his team "need to improve a lot".
Martinez's fortunate effort ensured The Red Devils secured just their third away win of the season.
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'We need to improve a lot' – Amorim on Man Utd win over Fulham
Video credit: TNT Sports
It was United's only shot on target in what was a drab game at Craven Cottage, but Amorim – who will celebrate his 40th birthday on Monday – was keen to highlight how crucial victory was.
"[It is] really important to have this feeling away from home. Not a great game and no great chances," he told TNT Sports.
"We tried to control the game, tried to play our game, but we need to improve a lot, and you can feel it. But this time we hold the result in the end, and we closed the game – it is really important to win now."
While he praised his team for keeping a clean sheet, Amorim accepted that United need to be stronger in attack after they failed to create many meaningful opportunities.
"We lack some pace and power in front, but it is what it is. We need to have more [of the] ball, create more chances. We need to take the ball to the last third, we struggle a lot in these details. But winning helps us a lot to improve."
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With a week left until the transfer window closes, Amorim stressed that United need to "be cautious" in the market.
"We have to follow the rules, we have made mistakes in the past and we cannot do it now," he said.
"We are focussed on improving the team, but let's see. Let's focus on the players that we have and focus on the next game."
Martinez pays tribute to 'big example' Collyer
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‘Look at what that means’ – Collyer celebrated after ‘outstanding’ goal-line clearance
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Martinez accepted that he was "lucky" with the winning goal and paid tribute to his young team-mate Toby Collyer, who cleared Joachim Andersen's header off the line in the 89th minute.
"I am so happy because of this guy [Toby Collyer]. This guy is a big example for the younger generation," said Martinez.
"He is working so hard every day, and he is so humble."
Collyer, who had only replaced Manuel Ugarte moments earlier, added: "It's a tough environment and that makes you better as a player and your character.
"I am looking to improve every day and help the team as much as I can."
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