Ruben Amorim explains Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho omissions for Manchester derby - 'Everything is on the line'
Published 15/12/2024 at 17:20 GMT
Ruben Amorim opted to leave Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of his Manchester United squad altogether to take on rivals Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday. The decision came as a shock ahead of the seismic clash, as both sides desperately seek a return to form in the English top flight. Mason Mount was recalled to the starting line-up for the derby.
'Not dissimilar players’ – TNT Sports panel compare Hojlund to Gyokeres
Video credit: TNT Sports
Ruben Amorim said "everybody understands" his decision to leave both Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho out of Manchester United's squad to take on Manchester City on Sunday.
The two teams are desperately seeking a return to form in the Premier League, with Amorim's side losing their last two in the English top flight, while City have won just a single match in their previous 10 in all competitions going into the derby clash.
And the new United boss made the surprising call to omit both Rashford and Garnacho - who had been mainstays in the squad throughout the campaign on either wing - for Sunday's meeting.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the match, Amorim said "everything is on the line" when it comes to judging whether players deserve a spot in the squad.
He said: "We try to evaluate everything: training performance, game performances, engagement with team-mates, push their team-mates up. Everything is on the line when we analyse and try to choose the players. It is my selection. Simple.
"I don’t want to send a message, it is simply an evaluation and they know it. The players are really, really smart. Everybody understands my decision and I have to choose. It is simple selection.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/12/13/4072279-82583228-2560-1440.jpg)
'Never' - Amorim says he never considered joining City
Video credit: SNTV
"Of course, the context is difficult because we have to win games and we have a difficult situation now. I pay attention to everything, the way you eat, the way you put your clothes to go to a game. Everything. I make my evaluation and then I decide.
"There is a communication after the last training. They are alright. They had training this morning and I was there. They trained really well."
Rashford enjoyed his start to life under the Portuguese coach, opening the scoring within two minutes of Amorim's first match in charge against Ipswich Town in November.
- O'Neil sacked as Wolves manager following Ipswich defeat
- 'Controversial' or 'delicate'? Should Madrid have been awarded penalty after challenge on Vinicius?
- Everton spring surprise as Man City fail to capitalise on Chelsea draw
The academy product also netted a brace in United's 4-0 thrashing of Everton - Amorim's first Premier League match at Old Trafford.
But subsequent defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest have seen the forward fall out of favour, alongside Garnacho on the opposite flank.
The Argentine has notched eight goals and four assists in 24 appearances this season, and opened the scoring in United's 3-2 UEFA Europa League clash against Bodo/Glimt in November.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/11/28/4066910-82475848-2560-1440.jpg)
Highlights: Man Utd win rollercoaster match against Bodo/Glimt after Hojlund brace
Video credit: TNT Sports
But Amorim opted to select the emerging Amad Diallo, as well as the returning Mason Mount, to occupy the two spots behind Rasmus Hojlund for the City clash.
It is the first Manchester derby of Amorim's United career, though he and Guardiola faced off in the dug-out just last month - as the Portuguese boss led Sporting CP to a chastening 4-1 win over the Premier League champions.
Sunday's clash continues a busy weekend of Premier League action, which will be capped off as Tottenham Hotspur head to Southampton - live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Stream the 2024/25 Premier League live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?