Soccer

Ruben Amorim and Marcus Rashford no longer on speaking terms at Manchester United

Head coach only talks to forward when addressing squad

Ruben Amorim, head coach of Manchester United, speaks to Marcus Rashford. Photograph: Justin Setterfield/Getty
Ruben Amorim, head coach of Manchester United, speaks to Marcus Rashford. Photograph: Justin Setterfield/Getty
Jamie Jackson
Tue Jan 28 2025 - 16:23

Ruben Amorim’s relationship with Marcus Rashford has broken down to the extent that Manchester United’s head coach only speaks to the player when addressing the squad generally.

While Rashford last played for United in mid-December and has been selected by Amorim in only one matchday squad, when he was an unused replacement, the 27-year-old is training with the first team. However, Amorim does not have individual discussions with Rashford.

After Sunday’s 1-0 win at Fulham, Amorim stated he would prefer to select his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach, Jorge Vital, than a player who does not give his maximum. This was in response to a question about whether Rashford may have a route back into his plans.

“It’s the same situation for every player,” Amorim said. “If you do the maximum, if you do the right things – we can use every player. You can see it today [Sunday] 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 [on the bench] before I put a player that doesn’t give the maximum every day so I will not change that.”

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Rashford has previously stated he wanted a “new challenge” and he and United are seeking to part ways in the current window. However, the forward’s options are dwindling and it remains unclear whether he will leave his boyhood club in the remaining days of the transfer window. While a loan is most likely, Rashford accepts he may still be at United then the window closes, and he has yet to receive an offer that appeals to him.

On Monday, meanwhile, Trafford council backed United’s plans to regenerate Old Trafford and its surrounding confines. The centrepiece will be a new 100,000-seater stadium.

Councillor Liz Patel, Trafford council’s executive member for economy and regeneration, said: “The Trafford Wharfside master plan offers a regeneration vision for a hugely important area within Trafford which takes in the world-famous sporting institution that is Manchester United as well as other major sites including the Imperial War Museum and the Manchester Ship Canal. We are now on the lookout for a world-class consultant team to shape the vision for the area.

[ Neymar’s contract with Al-Hilal terminated by mutual consent ]

“This is a hugely exciting project and working with our partners and private developers, we will be looking to create thousands of new homes, new neighbourhoods and help create a world-class setting for the Manchester United stadium. I am delighted that the Trafford Wharfside area is the focus of this important future planning project.” – Guardian