Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has snubbed Marcus Rashford once again, leaving the divisive striker out of the squad that visits Bournemouth on Sunday for “optional” reasons.
It was Rashford He was initially dropped by United's new boss In the Manchester derby last weekend before being overlooked in the Carabao Cup quarter-final in midweek against Tottenham Hotspur.
United largely picked up three points against City last weekend, but suffered a 4-3 defeat at Tottenham. Despite leaving the cup… Amorim had no regrets About overlooking Rashford, who has publicly expressed his desire to take on a “new challenge”.
Ahead of Bournemouth's visit to Old Trafford, Amorim insisted Rashford trained with the team and was available. However, in the third match, the England international failed to even make the bench, let alone the starting line-up.
Amorim said frankly Sky Sports Before the match Rashford was omitted “for the same reasons” and the call was dismissed as simply a matter of “selection”.
The Portuguese coach did not explain specifically why the winger was originally excluded. Amorim will only point out the principles he values after the Manchester derby, Explaining that he makes his own selection decisions It is based on “performance in training, performance in the game, the way you dress, the way you eat, the way you engage with your teammates and push your teammates.”
While Rashford was still in United's squad – the striker scored three goals in six appearances under Amorim – reports emerged claiming the club had put in the academy graduate. For sale.
Amorim was asked on Sunday Sky Sports Whether his team selection was influenced by outside figures at the club. The head coach gave a candid response. “No, that's not possible,” he said. “It's my decision, and it always will be. It's a choice.”
“I want to see the best in my players. I try different things with different players.”
Rashford may not have been in United's squad for today's match, but he was pictured in the Old Trafford tunnel shortly before kick-off. As Amorim explained, the manager did not take away Rashford's clothing – a black United tracksuit – while watching his overlooked striker taking pictures with a young fan.