Ruben Amorim explains why he dropped Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from Man Utd squad for Man City game

Manchester United continue their challenging Premier League campaign after a midweek Europa League win against Viktoria Plzen.

The Red Devils head into their clash at the Etihad in 13th place, with only 19 points earned this season.

Amorim’s team has suffered back-to-back league defeats, losing to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. Ahead of the derby against Manchester City, the Portuguese manager has excluded Rashford, who has been linked with a move away from the club, and Garnacho from the matchday squad.

When asked about their omission, Amorim told Sky Sports: “We try to evaluate everything—training performance, game performances, engagement with teammates, push their teammates 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.”

He continued: “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 started in the 2-1 win in Czechia but was substituted just before the hour mark, following an exchange with Amorim after being taken off.

Garnacho came on as a substitute during the match.

Both Rashford and Garnacho will miss the Manchester derby.

Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim has made headlines by excluding Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho from the matchday squad for the highly anticipated Manchester derby against Manchester City. The decision comes as United find themselves struggling in the Premier League, sitting 13th in the table with just 19 points.

### **Amorim’s Explanation**
When questioned about the surprising omissions, Amorim emphasized the importance of holistic evaluation in team selection:
– **”It is my selection. Simple,”** Amorim stated to *Sky Sports*.
– He elaborated that decisions are based on a range of factors, including **training performances, attitude, engagement with teammates, and even seemingly minor details like preparation and presentation.**

He dismissed any notion of sending a specific message with the exclusions, asserting that his decisions are transparent and understood by the players:
– **”The players are really, really smart. Everybody understands my decision.”**

### **The Context**
– **Recent Form:** United are under pressure following consecutive league defeats to Arsenal and Nottingham Forest. With Rashford and Garnacho out, Amorim is sending a clear message about accountability and standards, even for key players.
– **Midweek Performances:** Rashford and Garnacho featured in the Europa League victory over Viktoria Plzen but didn’t produce standout performances. Rashford was substituted in the 56th minute after a visible exchange with Amorim, while Garnacho made a brief appearance off the bench.

### **Speculation Around Rashford’s Future**
Rashford’s exclusion has fueled rumors about his potential departure from Old Trafford, especially as transfer links to other clubs persist. Despite his seven goals and three assists this season, questions about his consistency and demeanor seem to have influenced Amorim’s decision.

### **Amorim’s Approach**
Amorim’s meticulous attention to detail reflects his determination to instill discipline and elevate the team’s standards during a turbulent season. However, the decision to leave out two of United’s most influential attackers for a critical derby raises questions about whether the gamble will pay off.

### **What’s Next?**
United’s clash with City is a must-win for the team to regain momentum in the league. While Amorim’s tough stance has drawn mixed reactions, the result at the Etihad could define whether his bold approach strengthens his position or invites further scrutiny.